The Mystery of Unclaimed Judaica Items Found in Gaza
A routine reconnaissance mission in Gaza led an Israeli military drone unit to discover a wood laminate challah board inscribed with the words “remember the Shabbat.” The commander of the unit, faced with the dilemma of what to do with the object, posted a photo on Facebook in an attempt to locate the owner, but to no avail.
Similar incidents have occurred since Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza, with soldiers uncovering Jewish ritual items like a Seder plate and a Hanukkah menorah. Efforts have been made to return these items to their rightful owners, but they remain unclaimed.
The Israel Defense Forces have regulations in place regarding seizing property, with a focus on military necessity and avoiding looting. Instances of looting by IDF soldiers have been investigated, with several soldiers indicted for alleged theft.
While the origins of the discovered Judaica items remain unclear, there is evidence of looting by Palestinians during the conflict. The IDF’s Code of Ethics condemns looting and emphasizes the importance of using military force only for justified reasons.
Efforts to return the Judaica items to their rightful owners are ongoing, with suggestions for a formal procedure to ensure proper handling and documentation. Despite challenges, soldiers like Yoya remain hopeful that the items will be reunited with their owners.