Haredi Man Joins IDF at 30, Transforms Holiday Experience for Frontline Soldiers

Israel Goldman, a Haredi man who enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) at the age of 30 following the October 7th Hamas attacks, has significantly impacted the holiday experience for soldiers serving on the front lines. Goldman, who had no prior military experience, joined the IDF through a "Phase B" program about two weeks after the attacks and underwent brief basic training before being assigned to the Military Rabbinate.

His initial duties included assisting with the identification of bodies, a challenging but meaningful task that solidified his desire to contribute. He was later transferred to the Mountain Brigade, where he now serves as a deputy to the brigade's rabbi. In this role, he frequently visits outposts along the Mount Dov and Hermon fronts, ensuring soldiers have access to kosher food, religious items like prayer shawls and skullcaps, and personal necessities.

Goldman's efforts extend to making holidays accessible for soldiers. He oversees the construction of sukkahs for the Sukkot holiday, provides shofars for Rosh Hashanah, and ensures all necessary religious items are available, aiming to make soldiers feel cared for even when far from home. He emphasizes that his work is relevant to all soldiers, religious or not, by helping them connect with the holiday in a meaningful way that suits their personal connection to it.

He has been recognized for his dedication, receiving an award as an outstanding officer from the commander of the Northern Command. Goldman believes the Haredi community can find suitable ways to serve in the IDF, citing programs like the Hasmonean Brigade that accommodate their religious lifestyle. He expressed pride in his service within the Military Rabbinate and the Mountain Brigade.