IDF Chief to Haredi Hesder: We Won't Change Your Identity

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir met Tuesday with students at the chareidi hesder yeshiva in Gan Yavne, in a visit aimed at reinforcing the army's commitment to haredi soldiers serving while maintaining their religious way of life.

The meeting, attended by Yossi Levy, director of the Netzach Yehuda Association, Rav Karmi Gross, rosh yeshiva of Derech Chaim, and senior IDF commanders, came as the army seeks to expand enlistment from the haredi sector amid ongoing security challenges.

Zamir told the bochurim that the IDF is committed to enabling haredi service without compromising religious observance, and stressed the need to broaden the base of those serving in light of the current security situation.

Chief of Staff at the hesder yeshiva in Gan Yavne / Photo: IDF Spokesperson (IDF Spokesperson)

"It is written in Pirkei Avos: 'The more Torah, the more life; the more sitting in the beis medrash, the more wisdom,'" the Chief of Staff said. "For me, the very act of coming to a place of Torah learning is a great privilege."

"You are realizing a vision in which the connection between Torah, preparation for life, and contribution to the security of the state are complementary values," he continued. "You prove that it is possible to preserve your identity, to bear the burden, and to be partners in defending the State of Israel and its citizens."

Zamir explained that he chose to name the multi-year plan he is leading as Chief of Staff "Choshen," based on the twelve core areas of the IDF's force-building, corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel. "There is a deep message here: each stone in the choshen is unique in itself, but only together do they create one whole," he said. "Especially in these days, we understand more than ever that only together will we prevail."

"When I come here to the yeshiva, I see the expression 'safra v'sayfa' - the book and the sword," he added. "This is not a slogan but a way of life. I see your choice to take part in the shared responsibility for the security of the State of Israel alongside a deep commitment to Torah study and preserving tradition. This is a unique combination that the IDF and the people of Israel need today more than ever."

Chief of Staff at the haredi hesder yeshiva / Photo: IDF Spokesperson (IDF Spokesperson)

Addressing the yeshiva students directly, Zamir said: "Each of you is a Nachshon ben Aminadav of our time. You will be remembered as pioneers who paved the way for others. The IDF does not seek to change your identity. Our goal is that you enter the army haredi and leave haredi. This is not just a statement but a commitment of ours as an army and mine personally."

"Our responsibility does not end with creating appropriate service frameworks," he clarified. "It requires us to recognize the needs of haredi soldiers, to understand their world, and to respect their faith. We must train commanders who know how to lead them with sensitivity and professionalism, with awareness of the responsibility placed upon them."

Chief of Staff with yeshiva leadership / Photo: IDF Spokesperson (IDF Spokesperson)

According to the Chief of Staff, "We are in a historic period of critical importance to the security of the State of Israel. The IDF is engaged in one of the longest and most complex multi-front campaigns we have known, on the borders of the state and beyond. The IDF is fighting with force in order to ensure the security of the citizens of the State of Israel and to defeat our enemies."

Concluding his remarks, Zamir said that "the events of October 7 highlighted the need for a larger, stronger, and more prepared army. Learning the lessons requires us to strengthen the ranks of the army, expand the base of those serving, and ensure our readiness to stand up to the various missions. We will stand together, fight together, and prevail together, out of a sense of mission, faith in the justice of the path and the importance of the task, and out of deep commitment to the State of Israel."