Aviv Geffen, who in the 1990s was a vocal opponent of service in the IDF and himself did not serve in the IDF, he claims for medical reasons, is returning to appear at bases in front of IDF soldiers, according to the publication of journalist Ran Boker from Yedioth Ahronoth. Geffen expressed his views and approached the Israeli mainstream, and in recent years has become a symbol of unity between the ultra-Orthodox and the secular, left and right.
IDF Spokesman: Aviv Geffen expressed remorse for things he said in the past, and today he conveys a symbol of unity, cohesion and the importance of contributing to the IDF
As you may recall, in recent times Geffen has had statements that have raised eyebrows among those who were accustomed to his biting opinions. During the corona period, he revealed that after performing at the Shoni Amphitheater, in a live performance without an audience, he said during the performance: “Leave Bnei Brak, they are not guilty,” and said that when he left the stage he had hundreds of messages from Bnei Brak residents, I read and cried. I suddenly saw them “and thus began his way to the heart of the mainstream and did not stop there.
Geffen continued to surprise his fans with his opinions and actions when he also performed a duet to sing “Drought” with the ultra-Orthodox singer Avraham Fried and even wore a kippah when he performed a song with words from the Psalms during a performance at the Sultan’s Pool. And even hinted that it was not unreasonable for him to repent.
The IDF spokesman said in response to Geffen’s return to IDF bases: “Aviv Geffen turned to the IDF and expressed his desire to donate performances voluntarily and as a sign of appreciation and deep appreciation to his servants, ahead of the 74th Independence Day. It was decided to approve his request in light of the sincere desire to convey a message of unity, cohesion and the importance of the contribution to the IDF and in light of the remorse he expressed in his remarks in the past.