New Knesset Lobby Launches to Support Ultra-Orthodox Soldiers' Post-Service Integration

A new lobby group dedicated to supporting ultra-Orthodox soldiers after their military service was launched this week in the Knesset. The event, held in the Negev Hall, brought together around 150 participants including Knesset members, officers, reservists, graduates of ultra-Orthodox service tracks, government officials, civil society representatives, and public figures. The lobby aims to address challenges faced by ultra-Orthodox veterans in employment, education, family welfare, and mental health.

Alon Shamir, CEO of the Nachshonim Association, emphasized the need to focus not only on the period before and during military service but also on the post-service phase, stating, "Thousands of ultra-Orthodox soldiers and veterans want to build their lives, and we are committed to ensuring they are not left alone." The discussion included proposals such as expanding mental health services, establishing a dedicated veterans' center for ultra-Orthodox soldiers, promoting educational and employment pathways, providing support for soldiers' families and reservists, and enhancing memorial and recognition initiatives.

The lobby was initiated by Knesset member Dan Illouz in collaboration with the Nachshonim Association. It seeks to advance practical measures including legislation, dedicated budgets, and cooperation between government ministries and civil society organizations to ensure the needs of ultra-Orthodox soldiers remain a permanent public agenda item.