Dating App Bans Israeli Soldier for Profile Picture in Military Uniform

Dating App Bans Israeli Soldier for Profile Picture in Military Uniform

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a surprising turn of events, Noy Leyb, a startup founder and elite reservist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), claims that he has been permanently banned from popular dating apps Hinge and Tinder after posting a profile picture in his IDF uniform, holding a machine gun, as was recently reported in the New York Post. Leyb, who recently returned from over four months of service fighting against Hamas, accused the platforms, both owned by Match Group, of anti-Semitism and demanded an explanation for his expulsion.

The 32-year-old New Yorker expressed shock and disappointment upon receiving the ban notification, stating that Hinge, which bills itself as the dating app “designed to be deleted,” ended up deleting him instead, according to the information provided in the Post report.  While the dating app did not specify the violation, Leyb strongly believes that it was due to his IDF uniform picture.

Leyb’s decision to join the IDF was prompted by the events of October 7, where he felt compelled to leave his life in New York and contribute to the fight against Hamas, with the goal of bringing hostages back home. The report in the Post said that having returned from his military service, Leyb was eager to resume his regular life, including dating, expressing that finding love is his top priority and expressing a desire to start a Jewish family.

He chose to showcase his military service on Hinge, inspired by the app’s philosophy of matching people based on core beliefs through various prompts. However, within days of returning to New York and checking the app, he found himself banned from both Hinge and Tinder.

In response, Leyb appealed the ban, asserting that he had never disrespected anyone on the platform and attributing the removal of his profile to anti-Semitism, as was indicated in the Post report. He firmly stated, “I’ve never done anything wrong,” and expressed his disbelief at the situation.

The incident raises questions about the policies of dating apps regarding users’ expression of military service and identity. The report added that as Leyb seeks an explanation and resolution, it brings attention to the broader issue of how platforms navigate and enforce guidelines related to users’ backgrounds, beliefs, and affiliations.

The basis for Leyb’s ban is suspected to be Hinge’s terms, which prohibit promoting harm, harassment, hate, or discrimination. Despite the absence of inappropriate behavior or discussions related to his military service on the platform, Leyb received a notification that he was in violation of the terms, and subsequent appeals were denied.

Leyb expressed frustration, highlighting that his only profile change was the addition of a picture in his IDF uniform. As per the information in the Post report, he built a substantial social media presence during his military service, sharing posts about his experiences in Gaza, including rescuing abandoned dogs and revealing weaponry storehouses in Palestinian preschools.

Military service and online dating have been contentious topics, with some servicemen reporting hostility. The Post pointed out that Leyb attributes this to what he calls “anti-Israel propaganda,” expressing concern about the pervasive fear among Jewish individuals in New York, leading some to remove symbols of their identity for safety reasons.

Despite the challenges, Leyb remains proud of his Jewish identity and service, emphasizing the importance of sharing the reality of what he witnessed in Gaza, the Post report added.  He mentions encountering limited signs of peace during his service, with many homes supporting Hamas through concealed weapons and symbols proudly displayed.

Match Group, the owner of Hinge and Tinder, has not commented on the situation, leaving Leyb determined to shed light on his experience and challenge what he perceives as unjust discrimination on dating platforms. The incident raises questions about the intersection of military service, identity, and online platforms, prompting discussions about inclusivity and potential biases in dating app policies.

Leyb expressed heartbreak over witnessing the influence of Hamas terrorist propaganda on young minds in Gaza, as was noted in the Post report.  Leyb described encountering the bedroom of a young girl adorned with images of convicted terrorists, questioning why she idolized them instead of more positive role models.

Despite the challenges Leyb faces, including the intrusion of political activism into various aspects of life, including dating, he remains committed to raising awareness about the realities faced by Jews in Israel and worldwide, the Post report said. Leyb plans to tour the United States to educate non-Jewish groups about the pervasive hatred towards Jews fueled by Hamas propaganda, particularly in Gaza.

While his schedule is packed with advocacy efforts, Leyb also harbors hopes of finding love along the way, albeit through more traditional means.