Around 200 Haredi Youth Join Pre-Military Programs for Combat Service in Israel

Approximately 200 young Haredi men have recently joined the pre-military preparatory programs operated by the National Union for Haredi Service, "Shomer Yisrael," and the "Netzach Yehuda" association. These programs provide religious, spiritual, and physical preparation for enlistment in combat units within the Israel Defense Forces and security forces. The recruits are expected to join various combat tracks tailored for the Haredi community, including the Netzach Yehuda Battalion in the Kfir Brigade, the Hashmonaim Brigade, the Haredi "Hetz" platoon in the Paratroopers Brigade, the Haredi platoon in the Border Police, and other combat units.

At the start of the academic year, the recruits embarked on a challenging pilgrimage hike to Mount Meron, concluding with a prayer at the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Yehuda, a new member of the "Derech Emunah" combat preparatory program, shared that his decision to join was driven by a desire to perform meaningful combat service. He emphasized that the pilgrimage and prayer provided significant spiritual strength and that the preparation allows participants to balance their Haredi identity with their commitment to defending the state. "We feel we are in the right place to protect the people of Israel with pride in who we are," he said.

Yossi Levi, CEO of both Shomer Yisrael and Netzach Yehuda, highlighted the significance of the 200 new recruits, stating that their joining reflects a strong desire among Haredi youth to combine maintaining a Torah lifestyle with making a meaningful contribution to national security. He added that the preparatory programs offer comprehensive spiritual, physical, and mental support to ensure that future fighters enter combat units well-prepared and proud of their identity and chosen path.