[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]
As the Hesder Yeshiva network is under considerable criticism as a result of the Shaked Committee, hundreds of talmidim are entering the IDF in the coming days, with 80% serving in combat units.
On Sunday, 7 Adar II many talmidim arrived at the Bakum induction base in Tel Hashomer as they prepared to enter into the Golani Brigade. They were escorted to the induction base by their rabbonim. Other talmidim are entering on Monday into the Givati Brigade, and on Tuesday other groups head to the Kfir Brigade, Paratroop Brigade and the Artillery Corps.
Assistant Hesder Director Eitan Ozeri released the following statement: As every year, this year we are also proving yeshiva students are highly motivate to serve in meaningful combat roles in the IDF and relative to their numbers, they are leading among those entering combat units. The education in hesder yeshivos includes making a qualitative significant contribution to society alongside limud Torah in the spirit of Eretz Yisrael”.
Hesder Inductees Heading to the Golani Brigade dancing in the Bakum Base:
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
3 Responses
While there are very legitimate reasons for not wanting Yeshiva talmidim to serve in the IDF, the Hesder program leaders try their best to make the experience positive for the talmidim. Again it is not for everyone but there are many very impressive Hesder chayalmi/bnei Torah. The Rebbeim and Roshei Yeshiva go to the bases to give the talmidim chizuk and shiurim and many do very well. They are also very dedicated soldiers. The fact that the government is even giving them a hard time shows the true colors of the government’s agenda- anti religious!
This is the work of 2 or 3 low life MK’s that for some unknown reason reached the Knesset. Both of them are with Livni’s party. Yesh Atid didn’t have any problem with Hesder, and it was Elazar Stern and Amir Peretz who brought it up. Stern has had a vendetta against Hesder since he was in the army, and this is nothing new. Peretz is an idiot and will always be remembered as the worst defense minister in the history of Israel.
This is how it should be. My son learns in a Hesder Yeshiva, and after sitting for three years in Beis medresh he entered the navy, two weeks ago.I flew from NY to Eretz Yisroel to escort him to Bakum I have never in my life been so proud. It was a very uplifting moment. And yes then too they sang and danced they sang and danced to “chasidish” songs singing praise to Hashem for letting them reach this moment.The opportunity to serve in a Jewish army has not been afforded us since Bar Kochba.In Poland there used to be caricatures of a dirty disheveled Jew going to the army and the caption read “Moishke goes to the army”. We all should be proud of these boys especially since they divide their time between learning Torah and fighting for Hahem’s people and country. They fulfill their nationalistic duty by learning Torah and their religious duty by defending the people and the State.(yes no typo)