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Minister of Housing Yoav Galant addressed the issue of chareidi enlistment to the IDF during a ceremony for lighting on the second night of Chanukah. In his speech Galant emphasized that Haredi enlistment cannot be imposed but must be done through agreement and dialogue.

“You are the pioneers leading the movement”, said Galant during the event. “For many of you, the recruitment is not an easy task in term of the social atmosphere that accompanies your choice. Your role is that of a bridge. Religious, secular and chareidim will continue to live here in the next generations. Therefore, the question is not how to antagonize one group over the other, but how to bring them together towards a common future. In that stance, you are that bridge”.

“I have heard the voices in the Knesset”, continued Galant, “that are politically motivated, which trample, on many occasions, good processes and deal with more with the question of division rather than the question of unity. To them I say that the solution starts here, with you. Even if the process is sometimes slow, we are still seeing results”.

“I had the privilege, over 15 years ago as head of the IDF ground forces, to lead the staff work for the establishment of the Nachal Chareidi Battalion. I know that the chareidi public must be recruited in a manner which is adequate to its ways. No other way would work. It is essential to have a process of mutual dialogue. A process of coercion will achieve the opposite results. It is the duty of the chareidi public to increase the number of recruits. Signs on the ground are showing us that indeed this is the direction”.

“Once you discharge from the army, your mission will be to not only learn and care for the welfare of your family, but to also explain your loved ones and younger brothers that this way , the way you have chosen, is the right way and is also the way to contribute to society and the community”.

Galant was honored at the event by lighting on the second night of Chanukah alongside the Rabbis of the Nachal Chareidi Foundation, Rabbi Yaron David and Rabbi Yitzchak Bar-Chaim, who accompany the chareidi soldiers on a daily basis during their service.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photos: Avi Fisher, Nachal Chareidi Foundation)