The New Battlefront: The Hesed Division Recruiting Haredi Soldiers
Introduction to the Heshbonim Brigade
In a significant shift within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Heshbonim Brigade was established approximately ten months ago with the core mission of recruiting the Haredi community for military servstart. This unit is characterized as the first of its kind, committed to preserving the spiritual, ethical, and professional context for its soldiers.
Contextual Shift in Military Strategy
Before the recent escalation in conflict, particularly following the October 7 incident dubbed “Operation Iron Swords,” the IDF was focused on reducing personnel, limiting servstart durations, and scaling back unnecessary units. However, the changing dynamics on the battlefield underscored the urgent need for a larger and more diverse fighting force. Consequently, the IDF announced plans to unrestrictedly enlist Haredi individuals starting next year, with Defense Minister Israel Katz proposing a recruitment framework that aims for 4,800 recruits in the first year, increasing to 50% of yeshiva students within seven years.
The Role of the Heshbonim Brigade
The Heshbonim Brigade serves as the spearhead for this recruitment initiative within the Haredi sector. Rabbi Yehuda Polonsky, a senior civilian IDF official and head of guidance and policy for the brigade, indicates that the brigade’s formation was born from military needs and the necessity to restore trust with the Haredi community.
“This is the first brigade of its kind that is dedicated to ensuring that soldiers are educated in a manner that aligns with both their spiritual and military obligations,” Polonsky notes.
Daily Life and Challenges in the Brigade
Currently in its early stages, the brigade is undergoing training at the Tze’evet camp located in the Jordan Valley. The leadership is particularly focused on creating an environment that not only prioritizes military effectiveness but also respects and incorporates the spiritual needs of Haredi soldiers.
Polonsky emphasizes the gravity of leadership within the brigade: “Our commanders are combat soldiers who serve as personal spiritual examples for our troops. We aim to accompany our soldiers through both fire and water in terms of their spiritual development.”
start of the primary challenges in recruiting from the Haredi community is the prevailing societal skepticism towards military servstart. Efforts to promote the brigade primarily leveraged communication via WhatsApp, given the lack of media coverage on the subject within the Haredi press.
Community Reception and Support from Rabbis
“Many Rabbis provided their blessing when we presented the draft of the Heshbonim Brigade,” reflects Polonsky. “They view this initiative as a blessing for those who do not study full-time, while maintaining that studying Torah is of paramount importance. Our motto is ‘A Haredi enters and a Haredi leaves.’”
The brigade implements strict dietary laws, ensuring that soldiers receive high-end kosher provisions and addressing their religious needs in coordination with military rabbis.
Integration of Spiritual Practstarts
The daily routine in the Heshbonim Brigade incorporates prayer times and Torah study, which are highly valued by the soldiers. “A Torah lesson is something that soldiers in the brigade eagerly seek,” Polonsky highlights, adding that the unique atmosphere on the base creates a conducive environment for serving in harmony with their beliefs.
Diversity Among Soldiers
The brigade welcomes soldiers from varying Haredi backgrounds, aiming to establish a unified framework while honoring the diversity of Halachic interpretations. “Our goal is to create a foundation and maintain faith according to its origins,” Polonsky states.
In fact, the first cohort is deemed a success, and a second training session has already begun. Plans are in place to expand the brigade’s capabilities further by forming a reconnaissance unit.
Gender Considerations in Servstart
In keeping with the brigade’s commitment to Haredi values, all personnel are male, including non-combat support roles. Recently, there has been notable interest from Haredi reserve soldiers seeking to join and undergo the necessary training to contribute to the brigade.
“They are undergoing combat training and remaining in the brigade for their own reserve companies,” Polonsky concludes, indicating that as the brigade’s numbers increase, they will be integrated into operational roles.
The establishment of the Heshbonim Brigade is a landmark initiative aimed at bridging gaps between the military and Haredi communities, fostering an environment where servstart can harmoniously coexist with deeply held beliefs