Kol Berama Radio on Monday, July 22, 2019, released the following report pertaining to chareidim and IDF service.

As the nation prepares for Knesset elections once again, amid the reality there must be a new draft law, Kol Berama Radio released the following facts pertaining to chareidi service in the IDF. The information was released by military correspondent Mendy Rizal during the “Chadash al HaBoker” program hosted by Noam Zeigman.

The average age of chareidim entering the IDF in the ‘Magen’ track in July, including the air force (Shachar program), the navy, intelligence, telecommunications, personnel, military rabbinate, homefront, and police is 23-years-old with the oldest being 26. On the average, chareidim enter the military a year or two after being married, usually because they have decided to begin working.

The report added that the average age of chareidim entering the ‘Cherev’ track, to be combat soldiers, including Netzach Yehuda (Nachal Chareidi), Plugat Chetz (Paratroops), Tomer (Givati), Plugat Maginei HaNegev (Air Force), is 19-years-old, with the oldest being 23.

If one dissects the data, one sees that those entering a combat position via the air force do so as they are finishing shiur beis or gimmel in yeshiva gedola – and not before entering yeshiva gedola.

The chareidi cities leading the induction numbers to the ‘Magen’ track are Jerusalem, Bnei Brak and Betar Illit. Cities leading for the ‘Cherev’ combat track are Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh and Betar Illit.

In addition, contrary to what many believe to be a massive number of Chabad Chassidim serving, in the upcoming induction during the summer until November, there are only two “Menachem Mendels” and two “Menachems”.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)