oddly enough

oddly enough

Israel army scraps punishment for soldier over pork sandwich

JERUSALEM

The Israeli military recently scrapped a punishment for a U.S.-born Israeli soldier who had caused a stink by violating the military’s kosher rules by eating a pork sandwich while in uniform.

Earlier, the military said the soldier, whose name was not released, “violated rules and regulations,” which required him to be disciplined.

The soldier initially was given an 11-day prison sentence. The punishment later was converted to being confined to base for the same duration – after relatives talked to the media and a lawmaker wrote to the defense minister about the case.

But the military then changed its decision yet again, and canceled any punishment.

“We were wrong. The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will continue to keep kosher on one hand, but will not probe a soldier’s sandwich on the other,” military spokesman Brig. Gen. Motti Almoz wrote on Facebook. “There are tensions in Israeli society, and there are different stances and opinions. There is room for everyone in the IDF.”

Israel’s army maintains kosher kitchens on its bases.

Israel Radio said the soldier, who recently moved to Israel from Boston, was unaware of the army’s strict dietary restrictions and was merely snacking on a lunch his secular grandmother had made him.

North Pole won’t block marijuana sales

NORTH POLE, Alaska

North Pole residents can put marijuana on their Christmas list next year.

The city council in North Pole, Alaska, rejected a measure Monday that would have banned marijuana dispensaries. Marijuana became legal in Alaska in February, and sales begin next year.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported that even Santa Claus – yes, that’s his real name – testified in favor of selling pot in this Christmas-themed town, where light poles resemble candy canes.

Claus said he is medical marijuana patient, and he’d like to buy pot in North Pole instead of making the short drive to Fairbanks.

Some worried how others might perceive North Pole if marijuana dispensaries are allowed. But one council member noted North Pole already allows the sale of alcohol, cigarettes and guns.

Associated Press