The Israel Defense Forces may soon reinstate performances by artists discharged from service for justified reasons, reversing a decision made by the Education Corps in 2007. At the time, as part of the IDF's efforts to fight draft-dodging, the corps banned several popular artists who did not serve in the military from performing before soldiers. The "blacklist" included rockers Aviv Geffen, Assaf Amdursky and Ben Artzi. But Chief Education Officer Brig. Gen Zvika Fairaizen has recently recommended the policy be reversed. IDF Personnel Directorate head Maj. Gen. Moti Almoz is said to be considering the issue. A source familiar with the issue told Israel Hayom on Sunday that in recent weeks, Education Corps officials met with some 10 artists previously barred from performing for the military. Every one of them volunteered to hold shows for the troops, most notably Geffen, the source said. Geffen, who in the 1990s had a huge teen following, came to symbolize draft-dodging, taking pride in the fact he did not serve in the military and urging his young fans to refuse conscription. Years later, he revealed that he was actually exempt from military service for medical reasons, because of a platinum rod implanted in his back to correct his scoliosis. This did little, however, to mitigate the controversy. If Almoz approves the initiative, any artist previously barred from performing before troops will be able to file a special request with the Education Corps. The petition will be reviewed by a special panel comprising Education Corps and Personnel Directorate officers and a representative of the Israeli Union of Performing Artists. The final decision will be made based on the reason that prevented the artist from enlisting or completing their service. Another stipulation is that artists refrain from publicly speaking against the IDF or military service. An artist's desire to volunteer and receive no payment for the performance will also play a part in the panel's decision. Artists who volunteer to perform for the IDF do receive a nominal payment for their crews, who are not expected to volunteer their time. Until a year ago, the IDF did not limit the payments offered to artists, and the military would sometimes shell out thousands of shekels for a show by a popular artist. However, in 2016, the IDF capped the payment at 10,000 shekels ($2,800).
