Jewish soldiers carefully roll up a Torah scroll after religious services in the multi-denominational chapel at Fort Benning. (file/Dave Bender)
Officials at Fort Benning in western Georgia say they're taking seriously a reported beating and charges of religious harassment against a Jewish soldier.
Private Michael Handman of Atlanta, was severely beaten days after two drill sergeants forced him to remove a cap worn by observant Jews, in a mess hall. The two are also accused of anti-Semitic slurs against the soldier for reportedly praying during guard duty, and for asking about religious services.
Handman's parents, fearing for their son's safety, contacted Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss, who asked the army to investigate the incidents, which took place in September.
Neil Block, president of Temple Israel in Columbus, and (former) post chaplain, Maj. Rabbi Avrohom Horovitz leading services at a multi-deminational chapel at Fort Benning. (file/Dave Bender)
Neil Block is a Jewish lay leader in nearby Columbus, and conducts religious services for the trainees:
“The Army is not taking this lightly, the army is not attempting to sweep this under the rug, the Army is addressing this absolutely straight up and forward – and the chips will fall where they have to.”Block is working with Handman and the Army to resolve the incident.
Handman has been reassigned to a medical rehab unit, to recover from the attack, and for unrelated medical issues.
Army officials say the drill sergeants will be reprimanded, and that they and battalion officials will be trained in accommodating religious troops.
Click here for more GPB News coverage about Fort Benning.
