Haredi soldier (file)
Haredi soldier (file)Yossi Zeliger/FLASH90

The battle over the Enlistment Law notwithstanding, the IDF is continuing in its efforts to incorporate more haredi soldiers within its ranks via more positive measures.

The newest initiative, entitled “Olive Saplings”, offers haredi soldiers in Israel’s north the chance to enlist and serve at a base that befits their lifestyle needs. Additionally, the new program opens up for these haredi soldiers, many of whom have never pursued secular academic studies, an area of expertise that will allow them to be employable upon finishing  their military service. The result, according the IDF Chief Rabbi of the Galilee, is that “the reward is double for soldiers who enlist.”

Haredi soldiers who live in the north are currently being offered positions with the Home Front Command. Last month, the first wave of haredi soldiers enlisted under this new program and was comprised of tens of new recruits. In 2016 that number is expected to quintuple, according to a report put out by the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.

The project is aimed primarily at potential soldiers from the haredi community who live in the north due to the positioning of the base, just outside of the city of Tzfat (Safed). Within the program, IDF positions are being created and offered that are tailored to the haredi way of life.

“The soldiers will receive a haredi support system, together with a job, and an opportunity to build experience that will help them in their future as civilians,” said Major David Feig, Chief Rabbi of the IDF in the Galilee.

The initiative is looking to attach soldiers to the Mechanics, Logistics, and Technological Corps in the IDF. “This project will give an answer to the prevalent need that occurs in every haredi neighborhood in the north, and will allow for a large influx of much needed manpower into the military.”    

Those who enlist into the project undergo basic training, and then receive extensive training and courses in their respective fields at Training Base 20. Upon completing their courses and training they will serve on the base in their respective fields which include: Electricians, auto-technicians, surplus managers, drivers, logistic NCO’s, and other management positions. “We’ve taken the gloves off in order to create this project, which is the first of its kind to embrace haredi soldiers and enlist them into Home Front Command positions,” said Feig.

“These positions will allow a soldier to make the short jump to an active and employable position in their private lives upon graduation. This is an important step towards integrating haredi society, into the rest of Israeli society.”

According to Feig, there has been a drastic change in recent years in the way that haredi men approach enlistment into the IDF. This is part of a larger change, in which haredi society is moving closer towards fully integrating into Israeli society.

“Due to this project, I finished my service in an exceptional manner. I can say that from my own personal experience, the IDF is ready to absorb the haredi soldiers” said Private "M", a haredi soldier who is 27 years of age, a father of two, and who serves as part of the new initiative.

The Adjutant officer in charge of the program, Lieutenant Colonel Tzachi Rabibo, is equally as enthusiastic: “Our doubts evaporated, and what was left was pride and hope. As long as the haredi are motivated to join us, we will not give up on anyone.”