Israel’s first Charedi paratroopers sworn-in at Kotel
The Jewish state has inaugurated its first ever Charedi paratrooper company, with new recruits being inducted at the Western Wall
Israel’s first ever Charedi paratrooper company has been sworn-in at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, only one month after the new recruits arrived at the induction centre.
Paratroopers’ Commander Colonel Nimrod Aloni said: “I am proud to welcome first Charedi company becoming part of our brigade. I don’t have a slightest doubt that the new company will be professional and strong both physically and spiritually.” He told the new soldier: “From now on you will become paratroopers. I wish you great success, you are true pioneers.”
Among the new intake was the son of the chairman of emergency response charity ZAKA, Yehuda Meshi Zahav, who published a picture of his boy in uniform, saying: “My soldier son, I’m proud of you”.
Rabbis of the Nahal Haredi Foundation will provide spiritual support to the new paratroopers by conducting Gemara lessons and providing personal backing for each soldier.
At the swearing-in ceremony last Thursday, they said: “Today we have witnessed a historical moment. The new Charedi company in the IDF will continue the process of integration.” They added that it shows “one can be a professional soldier and at the same time a practising Charedi Jew”.
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