Rising to the Challenge

We’re Rising to the Challenge: Building a Better Future for Haredi Soldiers

There haven’t been many reasons to smile and celebrate over the past ten months, but one memory from March constantly replays in my mind.

I had just finished my own reserve duty, serving nearly half a year on the northern border as an officer in the Paratroopers, when I traveled to Ashkelon for a BBQ I organized for the “Chetz” soldiers. These aren’t soldiers under my command, but young men who belong to the ultra-Orthodox unit in the Paratroopers called Chetz —a unit I helped develop during my mandatory service as one of its first officers. This unit, which began with just a handful of soldiers back in November 2016, has grown significantly. Each draft brings in 20-35 new soldiers, with each group increasingly committed to their religious and Zionist values. March 2024 saw a record 39 soldiers drafted into the unit! 

On that evening in March, the soldiers of Chetz had just returned from nearly two months in Gaza. It was a rare and well-deserved week off for R&R before they were sent back to the front. The evening was filled with laughter, smiles, dancing, celebration, and, of course, a good BBQ.

Since its inception, the Chetz unit has become a symbol of resilience and dedication within the Haredi community. Throughout the unit’s history, it has boasted over 100 commanders, 20+ officers, and has produced two company commanders. With more than 450 alumni who have successfully transitioned into civilian life—however they choose to live it—Chetz stands as a testament to the strength and resolve of these soldiers.

Recognizing the Haredi Contribution

The six soldiers who fell in battle from the Chetz unit earlier this year weren’t the first Haredi soldiers to sacrifice their lives for the State of Israel. Two soldiers from Netzach Yehuda, the army’s first Haredi combat battalion, were killed just days after the Chetz casualties, adding to a long list of those who have fallen in defense of the State of Israel.

However, while mainstream Haredi society doesn’t typically serve in the IDF, there is a growing number who are quietly breaking that mold. These soldiers face unique challenges, from community pressure to family rejection. Yet, with programs like Amutat Chetz, they are finding the support they need to thrive, not just survive.

Supporting Haredi Soldiers Throughout Their Journey

At Amutat Chetz,the Association of Religious Paratrooper Soldiers, we believe in providing continuous support to these soldiers, from the moment they draft to long after their service is complete. Our Big Brother Program, with over 20 volunteers, pairs each new draftee with a veteran from the unit who has walked the same path. This mentorship is crucial, as many of these young men are navigating their military journey without the support of family or community.

Take, for example, Noam Groundland, the Director of the program and a former officer in Chetz. “I have been running the Ach Gadol program for two years now, where we bring in alumni—our ‘big brothers’—to lead team-building and educational events. We also organize fun days with BBQs or pizza to keep the soldiers’ morale high. Our mission is to ensure they receive everything they need during their service, whether it’s spiritual, mental, or physical support. For many of these soldiers, we’re the ‘big brother’ they might not have due to their backgrounds. Ultimately, we’re not just supporting the current draftees but also showing future recruits that when you draft to Chetz, you’re joining a family, and you’ll always have the support you need.”

Beyond the immediate support during service, we prepare soldiers for life after the army. Our Chetz La’atid Program has mentored over 100 alumni, guiding them through educational tours, vocational testing, and job fairs to help them transition smoothly into civilian life. Eliyahu Kotler, a Chetz alumnus, shared his experience: “I made aliyah from Kazakhstan and enlisted against the wishes of my family. After my release, I had no idea what to do next. But thanks to the Amuta’s ‘Jumping into Society’ event, I discovered my interest in mechanics and am now studying at the Technion in hopes of pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering.”

Partnership with Atid Yisrael: Expanding Our Reach

Our efforts are further strengthened by our partnerships with over 10 other organizations, including our collaboration with Atid Yisrael. Their Tachlis program has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals. Just last week, Atid Yisrael brought together 150 Haredi pre-draftees for a rigorous two-day training event, where they had the opportunity to speak with current soldiers about their service. One participant remarked, “I have been learning at the most elite Haredi Yeshivot for my entire life, but due to the difficult times we are in, I felt the time had come to give back to the country.”

Together, these partnerships are helping us build a future where more Haredi youth see IDF service not just as a possibility but as a path to a better life. Through focused pre-draft preparation and ongoing support, we’re creating a comprehensive network that addresses the unique needs of Haredi soldiers from draft to post-service life.

A Call to Action: Supporting Our Soldiers’ Future

The work we do at Amutat Chetz and through our partnership with Atid Yisrael is vital for the future of Haredi soldiers and Israeli society. But we cannot do it alone. As we look to expand our efforts, particularly in the face of the current challenges, we need your support.

Amutat Chetz operates entirely on a volunteer basis, with no paid positions. Our 12 administrative staff and 20 Big Brothers dedicate their time and energy to this cause, ensuring that every cent donated goes directly towards supporting our soldiers. We are launching a fundraising campaign with the theme “Going Above and Beyond for Israel’s Future.” With your help, we can continue to turn uncertainty into opportunity for these brave young men.

To learn more about our mission or to reach out to us, please visit amutatchetz.org. Join us in standing by these soldiers, showing the world that the Haredi community is not just participating in the defense of Israel but is leading with courage, dedication, and hope.

“From uncertainty to opportunity”—this is the journey we are making possible for Haredi soldiers. Together, we can ensure that this journey continues, building a stronger, more united Israel.