Former Haredi Youth Becomes Combat Officer and Key Reserve Fighter in IDF Operations

Sergeant Major (res.) Sh', a former Haredi-Litvak youth, shares his extraordinary journey from leaving his ultra-Orthodox home to becoming a combat soldier and a deputy communications officer in the IDF's Tel Hai Brigade. Growing up in a community where military service was not customary, Sh' admired soldiers but never imagined joining them. At 17 and a half, he made the life-changing decision to forgo his military exemption and enlist, fully aware it meant leaving his family. He recalls leaving home with only a small bag containing tefillin, a few clothes, and an old Nokia phone, hitchhiking north and living in various places, including a period on the streets.

Despite family estrangement, Sh' never harbored resentment, understanding his parents' pain. He completed his regular service as an armored corps soldier, fulfilling a long-held dream. After discharge, he was medically exempted from reserves, but the events of October 7 prompted him to rejoin. Persistently seeking to return, he now serves as deputy communications officer, a role that combines advanced technology with frontline combat, providing commanders with real-time battle information.

Sh' recounts harrowing experiences in Lebanon and the West Bank, including mortar attacks and critical operational successes enabled by his communications work, such as identifying a hiding spot that led to a terrorist's capture and coordinating rapid medical evacuations. He credits his wife as the driving force behind his extensive reserve service, which totals over 400 days.

He has begun documenting his experiences in a personal diary intended for his wife, hoping to publish it as a book. Sh' concludes by emphasizing unity among soldiers regardless of political views and encourages other Haredi youth to enlist, highlighting the IDF's tailored programs for integrating them into service.