Haredi Soldiers Celebrate Sukkot on Syrian Border

During the Sukkot holiday, soldiers from the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Battalion Shimon (1200) of the Hasmonean Brigade, serving on the Syrian border, are balancing operational duties with holiday celebrations. Reporter Kobi Israel visited the troops, documenting how they combine strict guard duty in command centers and bunkers with makeshift Sukkot festivities.

Despite the ongoing security mission, the soldiers and commanders have created a home-like atmosphere. A kosher Sukkah has been erected at the outpost, and soldiers with musical talents have organized impromptu celebrations, bringing a sense of holiday joy to the military setting. The visit also included tours of the operational command center and bunkers, where the complex activities aimed at maintaining control and preventing threats along the border were explained.

One commander emphasized the IDF's commitment to securing the border. Company Commander A. stated that the troops are defending the area, its residents, and the State of Israel, striving to maintain routine operations while ensuring the public's safety. For the reservists, many of whom are fathers, the separation from their families during the holiday is particularly challenging.

Soldiers expressed the internal conflict of being away from their children during the holiday, balancing the feeling of doing the right thing with the difficulty of their absence. They make efforts to explain the importance of their mission to their children via phone. Commanders are aware of the hardship and try to allow soldiers leave for brief respites without compromising operational readiness.

The overarching message from the troops is one of deep commitment and a sense of mission. As Company Commander A. concluded, the IDF is working to ensure that the Israeli people can celebrate the holiday peacefully, and the Hasmonean Brigade is dedicated to protecting the nation and fostering unity.