Haredis driven by a sense of purpose and who aim for the IDF’s most elite units complete intensive navigation drills as they prepare for meaningful army service.
The journey, which combines physical and mental challenges, included three mechinot: (pre-military preparatory units): "Nitsots Emunah" and "Yadav BiEmunah", which operate under the Netzach Yehuda association, and the "Tzavta" mechina, under the direction of Rabbi Jonathan Reiss, founder of the ultra-Orthodox Hesder Yeshiva network "Hedvata", and Yossi Levy, CEO of the "Netzach Yehuda" association in cooperation with the "Ma'ase" association.
During the week, the participants underwent navigation training, sleeping in the field and mental preparation, with the aim of enabling them to integrate into significant combat roles in the future, including the Netzach Yehuda Battalion and the ultra-Orthodox battalions in the IDF. In addition, the participants were closely accompanied by a team of rabbis who provided them with spiritual reinforcement throughout the journey.
According to one of the participants, Eitan, a 19-year-old from Jerusalem who studies at the "Nitsots Emunah" preparatory program: "It was a very challenging experience. Navigating and staying in the field taught me to deal with difficulties and know my limits. I feel more prepared and aimed at the most combat places in the army."
Nachman Cohen, coordinator of mechinot at Netzach Yehuda and the person who led the Navigation Week, spoke about the great importance of this week: "These guys are proving time and time again that they are not only capable but also aspire to meaningful service. Physical and mental preparation is an integral part of the process that allows them to integrate optimally into the IDF."
Rabbi Jonathan Reiss, founder of the ultra-Orthodox Hesder Yeshiva network "Hedvata", emphasized the connection between values and IDF service: "Our goal is to show young Haredi people that meaningful service is a natural continuation of the values on which they grew up at home, while combining dedication and faith. When they understand this, they approach the service with a sense of pride and a true mission."
The welcome activity to integrate young people into military service while maintaining their lifestyle and values is at the basis of Netzah Yehuda's activities. Yossi Levy, the organization's CEO, concluded: "Weeks like this prove themselves time and time again. The young people come out of them stronger and have a clear sense of mission."
* Kikar Hashabbat contributed to this article.
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