"There is no directive prohibiting a photo with a wig in
official state [identification cards]," the Internal Affairs
Ministry said in response to a question posed by MK Rabbi
Meir Porush.
Rabbi Porush submitted the question to Interior Minister
Ronnie Bar-On following complaints from citizens saying that
the Interior Ministry had required them to conceal their wigs
(sheitels) in order to issue a passport or ID card. In
response to inquiries these citizens were told the Population
Administration was behind the policy.
"Is there indeed such a directive?" Rabbi Porush asked the
Internal Affairs Minister. "Does the Minister see this an act
of insensitivity toward the public and does he not sense a
tinge of antisemitism in this unprecedented demand?"
The Internal Affairs Ministry promised to post notices at all
branches clearly indicating applicants may be photographed
wearing wigs. The Internal Affairs Ministry said an inquiry
at the Beitar Illit branch where the incident took place
revealed the office is not an official ministry branch but a
registration station where a local worker was trained to
provide residents with basic population registration and
passport services. "The worker's reply apparently stemmed
from a misunderstanding of passport photo requirements," said
Bar-On in his response.
