Historic Shift: Ultra-Orthodox Jews Begin Enlisting in Israel's Military
In a groundbreaking development, the Israeli military has enlisted its first group of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jews into a new specialized brigade, marking a significant shift in the country’s defense and social dynamics. This new formation, the Hashmonaim Brigade, aims to integrate ultra-Orthodox recruits into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) while allowing them to maintain their religious practices and identities. About 50 recruits have already joined, and by the end of the day, another 100 reservists were expected to sign up.
This move follows a controversial decision by Israel’s Supreme Court in June 2024, which ruled that ultra-Orthodox Jews could no longer be exempted from mandatory military service—a privilege they had held since the establishment of the state. The ruling came amid growing military needs, particularly as Israel faced ongoing regional conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, and other groups backed by Iran. As a result, the IDF has started seeking out recruits from the ultra-Orthodox community to bolster its ranks, which had been strained due to the war.
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For many in Israel, this change has stirred significant debate. The ultra-Orthodox community, which is primarily devoted to religious study in yeshivas, has long held that their contributions to the preservation of Judaism are just as vital to Israel’s survival as military service. They view their religious studies as crucial for safeguarding Jewish traditions and faith. As a result, the military draft has historically been met with resistance, leading to large-scale protests and defiance among ultra-Orthodox men.
However, there is a growing sense of determination among some of the younger generation in the ultra-Orthodox community. Moishy Weiner, one of the new recruits, expressed his desire to contribute to Israel’s defense while ensuring his religious practices remain respected. He emphasized the importance of serving in a framework that aligns with his lifestyle, and his enthusiasm for making history was clear. Other recruits shared similar sentiments, noting that the ongoing war motivated them to enlist and contribute to their country.
The new brigade aims to preserve the ultra-Orthodox way of life while serving in combat roles. The IDF has taken considerable steps to adjust training policies, renovate facilities, and create a suitable environment that respects the recruits' religious values. This includes measures such as separate living quarters, kosher food, and religious accommodations during training. As the brigade expands, the IDF expects to recruit around 3,000 soldiers over the next few years.
Despite the challenges, there is a strong sense of optimism. The establishment of this brigade could be a pivotal moment in bridging the gap between secular and religious segments of Israeli society, particularly in the military. For the recruits, it represents an opportunity to serve their country without sacrificing their religious identity. The launch of this brigade is just the beginning of what could be a long and transformative journey for both the IDF and Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community.
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