IDF Chief Communications Officer Brigadier-General Netanel Cohen in his first interview since assuming the post admits many IDF commander are afraid to accept chareidi soldiers. Cohen granted an interview to Kikar Shabbos News, speaking about many issues.

“Some loathed dealing with the chareidi population, as commander were reluctant to take chareidi soldiers but after a few cycles of soldiers passed through we see commanders fighting to get chareidi soldiers. The basic assumption here is there is a lack of knowledge among commanders about chareidi soldiers” Stated Brig.-Gen. Cohen.

Cohen grew up in Bayit Vegan and was even a talmid in the beis medrash of Yeshivas Kol Torah. He began his latest post in July 2015. He explains that the chareidi soldiers entering the IDF maintain their lifestyle, admitting this is not always easy. He feels the situation is very difficult as for some, when they return home they are thrown out. “They do not have to receive him with sweets but they do not have to throw them out”. He acknowledges that the atmosphere at times is quite difficult as there are violent protests, garbage receptacles set ablaze, and protests when yeshiva students are arrested for not reporting for service.

Cohen, who maintains good relations with chareidi soldiers feels the pain of those who are attacked from within the community, the chardakim. “Hearing some of the stories of late is heartrending. I do not believe this is the way of the rabbonim. I believe this is holy work. Last week we read Ki Setzei, which teaches us one does not have to serve in the first year of marriage. At the very least have a minimum of respect for what we do”.

The senior officer explains the IDF is in direct contact with Israel Police to deal with attacks against chareidi soldiers. “As commanders, we recognize the stress of the soldiers, realizing a problem without possibly knowing the specifics. We are open towards respecting everyone. We cannot operate on the neighborhood level so we give this to the relevant law enforcement agencies”.

Cohen feels the answer is for the tzibur and the rabbonim to publically condemn the attack. “This demands intensive condemnations from rabbonim to bring this to an end towards teaching one must respect one who has opted for this path”.

During his career in various assignment Cohen had many chareidi subordinates and he hopes more members of the chareidi community will join the IDF and serve in the significant service in the cyber warfare area.

“We have a great deal of respect for the chareidi tzibur. One can integrate a meaningful service. We need this. We need chareidim in the cyber world as we can benefit greatly and with proper training they can integrate into the workforce”.

In pointing out some of the differences between the chareidi and non-frum soldiers, the brigadier-general explains the chareidi soldier has concerns including supporting his family and the homefront. He acknowledges that at times, a chareidi soldier does not have the support of his family. He is aware of the keen ability of chareidi inductees to absorb a great deal of material in a short amount of time so the gap that may exist in their education is narrowed quickly. He cites that many a time he has stated the chareidi community is suited to man the cyber unit, which is growing rapidly.

Cohen agrees with the rabbonim regarding the induction of those studying Torah, but feels there are many who are not. “I do not see getting involved in one referred to as an ‘illui’ who is constantly learning Torah but one who is not, yes. The chareidi soldiers are giving a meaningful service that we need”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)