Advocate Highlights Challenges Faced by Haredi Soldiers in IDF, Urges Systemic Changes

While public debate in Israel often focuses on encouraging Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) youth to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), attorney Yaakov Meyuhas shifts attention to the difficulties these soldiers face after enlistment. In an interview with Channel 7, Meyuhas, a leader of the organization "Haredim to the Army - Preserving Identity," which supports Haredi soldiers, described how many feel like outsiders within the military system. He warned that without adapting the IDF to better accommodate their lifestyle, recruiting significant numbers of Haredi soldiers will remain challenging.

Meyuhas explained that the feeling of being a guest rather than a natural part of the army stems not only from cultural differences but also from a lack of appropriate support structures. He shared an example of a soldier stationed at a large base in central Israel who brought his own kosher food for over a year and a half because the base did not provide food meeting his dietary standards. The soldier refrained from complaining due to discomfort, reinforcing his sense of isolation.

The organization advocates for personal guidance and raising awareness of Haredi soldiers' rights, emphasizing that these soldiers are entitled to the same benefits as others but often do not assert them. Meyuhas also recounted cases where units designated for Haredi soldiers were disbanded, forcing them into units incompatible with their lifestyle, including mixed-gender service, which is difficult for them to challenge due to military regulations.

Drawing from his own service in one of the first "Netzah Yehuda" battalions, Meyuhas noted that the IDF was initially unprepared to meet the unique needs of Haredi soldiers, and many soldiers themselves were unfamiliar with military procedures. He highlighted disparities between dedicated Haredi units, like the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, and other rear-echelon units where Haredi soldiers face inappropriate conditions.

However, Meyuhas opposes creating exclusively separate tracks for Haredi soldiers, arguing that segregation deepens their sense of alienation. He advocates for opening all military units to Haredi soldiers, similar to efforts to integrate female soldiers, while also maintaining specialized units tailored to their community.

Another challenge he identified is the ideological content presented during service. Meyuhas criticized attempts to impose Zionist education on soldiers who join by law, stating the army's role is defense, not ideological indoctrination. He believes soldiers should be able to perform their duties without being compelled to adopt a particular worldview.

Meyuhas concluded that if Israel wants more Haredi enlistment, it must ensure every Haredi recruit feels fully integrated and valued in the IDF, not like a guest but as an equal member serving the country.