Pesach in uniform in Kabul — and jail

BRITISH JEWISH servicemen in Afghanistan and other remote locations have been sent kosher supplies to help them mark a chametz-free Pesach in the field.

There are at least 20 Jewish men or women serving in the British armed forces around the world, said Colonel Martin Newman, chairman of the Jewish Committee for HM Forces.

The committee has already dispatched packages to troops based abroad, including matzah, grape juice, cake, sweets and even powdered chicken soup. Soldiers have also been issued with haggadot, enabling them to hold “mini-seder services” wherever they are.

Col Newman said there could be up to three sedarim held in Afghanistan, where British soldiers have been put in touch with US troops and their Jewish chaplains or lay leaders.

Pesach will also be celebrated in Dubai, where one British Jew serves as a senior officer in an anti-piracy control operation. “He requested a package because he could not get anything for Pesach out there,” said Col Newman.

He said that the committee tries to keep track of soldiers as they move locations. “It is appreciated by them — it’s difficult to be away during the Jewish holidays.”

After Pesach, Jewish soldiers will also be able to keep kosher during combat operations, thank to the introduction of kosher ration packs, which come with Sephardi Kashrut Authority supervised meals. The ten menus — which include chili con carne, sausage casserole and spaghetti and meatballs — will eventually be followed by kosher options on army bases as well.

Jews serving time in Her Majesty’s Prisons will also be looked after for the festival. Rev Michael Binstock, director of the Jewish Prison Chaplaincy, delivered haggadot and tea matzahs to Wandsworth Prison earlier this week, and has been working with the prison catering services to ensure that those who want to, have access to Hermolis meals for all eight days.