Photo display sparks controversy

The protesters say it is disgraceful that male soldiers are depicted unshaven and in wrinkled uniforms.

By MIRIAM BULWAR DAVID-HAY (TRANSLATED)
An artistic display of large photographs of Israeli soldiers in Herzliya's main street has sparked numerous complaints from local residents, reports www.local.co.il. The protesters say it is disgraceful that male soldiers are depicted unshaven and in wrinkled uniforms while a female soldier is shown with wind-blown hair and an unbuttoned shirt. According to the report, the photographic display is the latest attempt by the city to improve the sagging image of its main street, Sokolov. But many residents are saying the pictures only tarnish the image of the Israel Defense Forces, showing soldiers in wrinkled and faded uniforms, with stubble on their faces and cigarette boxes poking from their pockets. One photograph of an attractive female soldier in a provocative pose also brought criticism. Councilor Varda Mor, who raised the issue at a council meeting recently, said she had received numerous complaints from residents, and asked that the pictures be removed. A municipal spokesman said most of the soldiers in the photographs were native Herzliyans and the pictures were chosen and displayed for their artistic value, and not as advertising.