Chief of Staff to Haredi Hesder Yeshiva students: "The IDF does not seek to change your identity"

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir met with students of a Haredi Hesder Yeshiva in Gan Yavne and pledged to preserve their way of life during military service. He emphasized the need to expand the circle of those serving in light of the events of October 7.

Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, met today (Tuesday) with students of the Haredi Hesder Yeshiva in Gan Yavne and pledged to preserve their way of life during military service. "The IDF does not seek to change your identity. Our goal is for you to enter the army as Haredim and leave as Haredim," Zamir told the students. The meeting was attended by CEO of the "Netzah Yehuda" association, Yossi Levy, and head of the "Derech Chaim" yeshivas, Rabbi Carmi Gross. The Chief of Staff emphasized the need to expand the circle of those serving in light of the events of October 7, and said that the IDF is engaged in a long and complex multi-front campaign. He also referred to the multi-year plan "Choshen" based on 12 core topics, and called for unity and partnership in responsibility for the security of the state. The article presents the Chief of Staff's position supporting the integration of Haredim while preserving their identity, but does not bring opposing voices or data on the scope of recruitment.