History in the IDF: The first 15 officers of the Hashmonaim Brigade

A historic ceremony took place last night in Jerusalem, awarding officer ranks to the first 15 graduates of the officer course in the 'Hashmonaim' Brigade, the Haredi brigade in the IDF. The head of the IDF Personnel Directorate, Major General Dado Bar Kalifa, said this is an 'important turning point'. The officers have already participated in operational activity in Lebanon and Judea and Samaria.

A historic and moving ceremony took place last night (Tuesday) in Jerusalem, awarding officer ranks to the first 15 graduates of the combat officer course of the 'Hashmonaim' Brigade, the new Haredi brigade in the IDF. The ceremony was held on the roof of the Yeshivat HaKotel, attended by the head of the IDF Personnel Directorate, Major General Dado Bar Kalifa, and the brigade commander, Colonel S. The officer training lasted about seven months, adapted to the lifestyle of the Haredi cadets but without concessions in professional content. The new officers, who have already participated in operational activity in Lebanon and Judea and Samaria, are expected to integrate into key positions in the brigade. The head of the Personnel Directorate said at the ceremony that this is 'a moment of immense excitement and an important turning point', and told the officers: 'Be proud of the path you have chosen'. The brigade commander called the brigade 'an island of hope in the people of Israel'.