Yaakov Prever, Haredi IDF Integration Pioneer, Dies at 32 After Illness

Yaakov Prever, a leading figure in integrating Haredi Jews into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), passed away at the age of 32 after a serious illness. A Belz Hasid and father of six from Givat Ze'ev, Prever welcomed his youngest daughter just three months before his death. He was a founder of the "Ma'alot Tzur" program, which recruits Haredim for technological roles in the IDF, allowing them to serve without wearing uniforms.

Before the war, Prever worked to integrate Haredim into the workforce, founding the "La'avoda" association to train yeshiva students for employment, though many struggled to find jobs after training. Following the outbreak of the war, he focused on connecting yeshiva students with the army while respecting their religious lifestyle. During the conflict, a group of Haredim recruited in a second phase proposed creating a program combining professional training with military service in technological positions.

Prever emphasized securing a rights document to ensure recruits entered and left the program as observant Haredim. The program included short military training, a professional course, and job placement. Conditions included service without uniforms, eligibility only for married men not studying in yeshiva, and consultation with rabbis to maintain religious ties. Prever noted that some rabbis, while generally opposing enlistment, would approve individual cases after reviewing the program's conditions.

In an interview, Prever described bringing a Haredi work manager and other professionals into the program, aiming to expand to construction workers within two years. He acknowledged low trust between the army and Haredim but believed that positive experiences would build confidence. Rabbi Yonatan Reis, Prever's brother-in-law and founder of the Haredi Hesder yeshiva network "Hadvata," praised Prever's dedication despite his illness, highlighting his mission to provide dignified employment for yeshiva students and foster respectful integration into Israeli society.

Reis recalled Prever's availability even during hospital stays and his strong reputation among both religious and secular contacts for his determination and uncompromising religious commitment.