First soldiers drafted into IDF’s Haredi Combat Brigade – Israeli News
News

First soldiers drafted into IDF’s Haredi Combat Brigade – Israeli News

Posted on by Amelia Pressman

About 50 ultra-Orthodox recruits were drafted into the new IDF infantry brigade Hashmonaim at the Tel Hashomer recruiting office on Sunday.

By the end of the day, an estimated 100 more ultra-Orthodox reservists will complete their recruitment and begin their six-month infantry training, the IDF confirmed Sunday evening.

The brigade’s goal is to enable Haredi soldiers to serve in combat while fully preserving their religious lifestyle and identity.

The creation of such a brigade is a further step towards integrating the ultra-Orthodox community into military service.

The IDF hopes the brigade will expand and become an integral part of the combat unit landscape, with about 3,000 fighters expected to be recruited in the coming years. Recruitment efforts are expected to continue.

The recruitment of both companies marks the official launch of the Ultra-Orthodox Brigade, represents a significant milestone and expands the opportunities for members of the sector to join depending on operational needs and current requirements.

Among the new recruits was Moishy Weiner of Yehud, who decided to postpone his service until he could join the new brigade.

“I want to get involved and contribute like everyone else, but it’s important to me that it’s in a place that suits me and where I can feel at home,” Weiner said.

“We understand that this is just the beginning and an important step for all of us. There are concerns about basic training – that’s natural – but the desire is great. We want to make history through actions,” he added.

“We are excited and looking forward to the new framework,” noted Nathan Adler from Lod. “There’s a lot of uncertainty and a lot of questions, but I’m looking forward to my first deployment.”

Stay up to date with the latest news!

Subscribe to the Jerusalem Post newsletter

“The war influenced me”

“The war affected me; That’s why I decided to come forward,” he continued.

“During this time, I saw more friends reaching out and contributing. I told myself that if I gave three years of my life there would be no negative impact on me,” he explained, further affirming: “I know there is a lot of talk about the brigade and I hope that we live up to expectations satisfy.”

“I wish that, with God’s help, there will be ultra-Orthodox soldiers in the IDF’s elite units such as the General Staff Reconnaissance Unit (Sayeret Matkal). I have great faith in God and that’s what motivated me to get involved – to help heal the divide within the nation.”

Elroi Dalal, a newly recruited soldier in the brigade, said: “We are taking everything with caution, but I really want this to succeed. It is not a given that we now have a framework that allows us to maintain our identity while serving in a combat role.”

Elroi’s father, who accompanied him on enlistment day, shared: “Today we are embarking on a new journey. There is great excitement, but also hope that the brigade will continue to grow and serve as a meaningful framework for the years to come.”

The IDF later said: “The launch of the brigade was preceded by an extensive preparatory process that included recruitment and training of personnel, policy adjustments and renovation of the training base to accommodate the ultra-Orthodox lifestyle.” Additional ultra-Orthodox recruitment also takes place throughout the day candidates in various newly opened corridors aimed at integrating them into the IDF.”



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *