Hundreds of young ultra-Orthodox men began enlisting in the Israel Defense Forces on Sunday at the Tel Hashomer recruitment and sorting base. The enlistment wave is expected to continue over the next two weeks, with the majority of recruits designated for combat roles. The new soldiers will join several specialized tracks designed to accommodate their religious lifestyle, including the Netzah Yehuda battalion, the Hashmonaim brigade, the Hetz company within the Paratroopers Brigade, and the Hanegev unit in the Air Force.
Israel Defense
Hundreds of Haredim Enlist in IDF Combat
Most of the new Haredi recruits are slated for combat tracks including Netzah Yehuda battalion and Hashmonaim brigade
Officials at Shomer Yisrael, the national organization dedicated to integrating haredi men into military service, expressed satisfaction with the turnout. Yossi Levy, a retired lieutenant colonel who serves as the organization's director, described the development as a meaningful leap forward. "The young haredi men arriving at the induction base this morning demonstrate that it's possible to maintain strict adherence to a Torah-observant identity while making a direct contribution to the nation's security on the front lines," he said. Levy emphasized that his organization's mission is to continue building a support framework that enables these soldiers to serve meaningfully while preserving their ultra-Orthodox way of life.
Itamar Reinhold, a graduate of the Nitzutz B'Emunah preparatory program who is enlisting in Netzah Yehuda, explained his decision to join a combat unit. "I simply wanted to be part of it," he said. "My brother served in Netzah Yehuda and fought throughout the war in Gaza, and that inspired me."
Shmuel Cohen, also joining Netzah Yehuda, said it was important to him to contribute to the country and be part of the defense system protecting everyone. Nachman, enlisting in the Hashmonaim brigade, added that this is what needs to be done now, regardless of whether someone is haredi or not. "We all need to step up," he said.
Family members accompanied the recruits to the base. Rachel Zeitoun from Petah Tikva, whose son is joining Netzah Yehuda, explained that he had been studying in yeshiva but hadn't found his place there. "Yeshiva study is difficult, and once he left, it was clear to all of us that he would enlist and contribute," she said. Rivka Yifrach from Bnei Brak, whose son is joining the Hanegev unit in the Air Force, said she is proud of her son. "I had some concerns about army service, but we accepted it with love," she said.
Haredi enlistment| צילום: Video: IDF Spokesperson
