Charedi Officers Lead The Way In Integrating Religious Life In Their IDF Service

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Charedi soldiers who have joined the IDF are highlighting the potential for connection between intense religious life and military service.

“ I wanted to be part of the system that protects the Jewish people,” said Capt. Y., platoon leader of the training unit in the Netzah Yehuda Battalion. “I believe that if we speak to the charedi community the right way, they will understand the importance and enlist.”

Many soldiers reported to bases on Tuesday for their fourth or fifth reserve call-up, as Israel prepares for Operation Gideon’s Chariots II. Regular soldiers are exhausted from hundreds of days of combat, and the enlistment of charedi soldiers remains critical.

But charedi recruitment is more than just a manpower solution. It is a bridge between worlds, principles, and aspirations. While some charedi rabbis still hope for an official army directive to formalize accommodations for religious soldiers, those who have already served describe a unique experience in balancing faith and military duty.

Capt. S., commander of the Hetz “Charedi Paratroopers” training platoon, spoke of preparing new recruits. “I turn them into soldiers who will follow me into battle,” he said. “I put them in high-risk situations and give them the best assignments. For me, this is more than training; it’s about connecting soldiers to their values while preparing them for challenging military missions. Our charedi platoon has fought across all sectors—on Oct. 7 in Gaza, in Lebanon, Syria, and now in Judea and Samaria. I feel a real sense of mission in training this platoon at this time.”

Capt. Shlomo Cohen, platoon leader of the “Chetz” unit in the Paratroopers Training Base, who studied at a Chabad yeshiva, exemplifies the blend of Torah and army service. He enlisted in August 2020, completed basic and advanced training, served as a squad leader, attended officer training, and returned as a platoon commander during combat. His experience underscores the significant roles Haredi soldiers play both on the battlefield and in leadership positions.

Capt. Y., from a Litvak Haredi family in Romema, Jerusalem, views enlistment as part of a personal and educational mission. “I grew up in a charedi home, and my decision to enlist was driven by the desire to be part of the system defending the Jewish people,” he said. “The army is not just a duty; it’s a chance to show that different segments of society can unite under shared values. It’s an honor to be an example of combining Torah and military service.”

The integration of Torah and military training is evident in everyday activities. In Netzah Yehuda, soldiers not only fight but also hold Torah lessons at outposts. “It’s part of the meaning of service here,” Capt. Y. said. “We don’t give up our values; we make them part of the national mission.”

In Givati’s Tomer Platoon, Capt. E. emphasized the IDF’s tailored approach to charedi soldiers. “We are preparing for another wave of charedi enlistments. Dates are adjusted, the brigade rabbi is involved, and commanders undergo special training,” he said. “This is not a challenge, it’s a strength. It connects the worlds of Torah and army service. Charedi soldiers don’t just integrate; they transmit Torah values on the battlefield. Their service strengthens the IDF and exemplifies dedication and determination from the Haredi community.”

Recent enlistment days symbolize the growing integration between Torah study and army service. “New recruits realize they are breaking ground. When you enlist, you’re not just a soldier, you’re a role model showing that Haredi soldiers can combine faith and military duty,” Capt. E. said.

Yoel Elnatan, a graduate of charedi yeshivas who initially joined the charedi track in the Israeli Air Force before transferring to the Hasmonean Brigade, shared his journey. “After October 7, I realized I needed to enlist. I sought a role within a charedi framework where I could contribute and use my photography skills. That’s how I met Ali from the Haredi administration, who convinced me to become a video photographer documenting charedi units in the IDF. I met Yechiel Weiss, a Gur Hasid, at the recruitment center. He encouraged me to continue in the Air Force. I agreed because I genuinely wanted to contribute—it was one of the best decisions of my life.”

Yoel continued: “After nearly a year of training, I helped prepare aircraft, sent them on defense missions, and struck our enemies at long range. After a year, I transferred to infantry, joining the Hasmonean Brigade with support from colleagues. Already, I feel like I’ve returned to yeshiva, serving my people while staying true to my faith.”