Chareidi combat soldiers who enlisted nearly two years ago in the IDF’s Tomer Company—a track established within the Givati Brigade specifically for Chareidi recruits—say the army has broken the commitments made to them at the time of their enlistment after dismantling the unit and transferring them into a regular combat company operating in Gaza. According to a report by Ynet, the soldiers say they are now serving under conditions that are incompatible with a Chareidi lifestyle.

The soldiers said they enlisted only after being assured that the Tomer framework was specifically designed to allow them to serve in combat while fully maintaining their Chareidi standards and way of life. They now claim those assurances have been abandoned following the closure of the unit.

One of the soldiers described the deep sense of betrayal felt by many of those who enlisted.

“We feel betrayed. You promised us something, we came, people burned the place they came from.”

He explained that many of the soldiers paid an enormous personal price simply for joining the IDF. Some became estranged from their families, while others fear that their military service could negatively affect their future shidduch prospects.

According to the soldiers, the guarantees they received during training no longer exist in their new assignment. They said that while serving in the Tomer Company, tefillah, learning, and an atmosphere appropriate for Chareidi soldiers were carefully maintained. Since being reassigned, however, they say those standards have disappeared, despite the commitments made to them before they enlisted.

Among their most serious complaints is that they are now required to serve alongside female soldiers. They say they are assigned to joint duties with women and, at times, operate together with female paramedics during combat missions.

“This isn’t how it’s supposed to work. During training they took care of everything, and then once we reached the battalion everything suddenly changed. Why does nobody care about it anymore?”

The soldiers also say the religious atmosphere has changed dramatically. According to their testimony, they no longer receive the same level of sensitivity to their religious needs that existed within the Chareidi framework. They cited music being played during the Three Weeks, the use of phones and other electronic devices on Shabbos, and activities that they say are inconsistent with a Chareidi environment.

They added that their frustration has only grown because repeated appeals to commanders and other military officials have failed to produce any meaningful changes. According to the soldiers, they have contacted the brigade rabbinate, the IDF’s Chareidi administration, and other officials, but none have provided a solution to their concerns.

The case is expected to further deepen the Chareidi public’s lack of trust in the IDF, including skepticism toward other military frameworks that are presented as being compatible with a Chareidi lifestyle.

{Matzav.com}