IDF chief assures haredi students they can serve while keeping their identity

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir met with students at a haredi hesder yeshiva in Gan Yavne and told them the military does not seek to change their identity. He said the IDF wants them to enter as haredim and leave as haredim, and this is a commitment by the military and by him personally. The meeting included Yossi Levy, CEO of the Netzah Yehuda organization, Rabbi Carmi Gross, head of the Derech Chaim yeshivas, and additional military commanders.

Zamir stressed that integrating haredi soldiers is essential for the IDF's security. He said the students embody the belief that combining Torah study, preparation for life, and contributing to the security of the state are complementary values. He told them they prove it is possible to preserve their identity, share the burden, and take part in defending the state.

He said the military's responsibility for integrating haredi soldiers goes beyond creating service frameworks. It requires commanders to recognize the needs of haredi service members, understand their world, and respect their beliefs. He said they must train commanders who know how to lead them with sensitivity and professionalism while remaining aware of their responsibility.

Zamir praised the students' decision to combine Torah study with military service. He said when he comes to the yeshiva, he sees the embodiment of the expression 'Sifra veSaifa,' the book and the sword. He said this is not a slogan, but a way of life. He said each of them is a modern-day Nachshon ben Aminadav and will be remembered as pioneers who paved the way for others.

He said the events of October 7 demonstrated the need to increase the IDF's manpower. He said the IDF is engaged in one of the longest and most complex multi-front campaigns it has known, both along the country's borders and beyond them. He said the lessons learned require strengthening the military's ranks, expanding the pool of those serving, and ensuring readiness to carry out various missions.

During his remarks, Zamir addressed the IDF's multiyear plan, known as 'Hoshen,' which he is leading. The plan is based on 12 core areas of military force development, corresponding to the 12 tribes of Israel. He said there is a profound message here: Each stone in the breastplate is unique in itself, but only together do they form a complete whole. He said especially in these times, they understand more than ever that only together will they win.

Zamir concluded his remarks with a call for unity and shared responsibility for Israel's security. He said they will stand together, fight together, and prevail together, with a sense of mission, faith in the righteousness of their path and the importance of their mission, and a deep commitment to the State of Israel.