Thousands of Haredim enlist: A look at the IDF’s new service tracks
The IDF is presenting its range of dedicated tracks - from Paratroopers and Hasmonean Brigade combat soldiers to intelligence researchers and personnel in technology and logistics.
On Sunday, a significant number of ultra-Orthodox men, known as haredim, arrived at the Tel Hashomer military base to be drafted into the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), with many of them destined for combat units. This influx of young men was highlighted by Lt.-Col. (res) Yossi Levi, CEO of the Shomer Yisrael Organization, who emphasized that these individuals can be committed to Torah study while still serving their country on the front lines.
The haredim were prepared to join various units, including the Haredi Paratroopers Company, the Hashmonaim Brigade, the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, Ma'aleh Tzur, and the Yoav Project.
The recruitment process was met with security measures from the Israel Police to prevent anti-draft protesters from interfering. The previous day, on Friday, a small group of haredi protesters had attempted to block Route 443 in order to obstruct the detention of a draft evader. The individual in question was a 20-year-old who had been caught driving a stolen vehicle, and it was discovered that he was also avoiding military service. Upon his arrest, haredi demonstrators gathered at the scene, attempting to obstruct the road.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
