Continuing 'the way of the Maccabees,' IDF swears in first ultra-Orthodox combat brigade

The IDF's Hashmonaim Brigade made history on Thursday by becoming the Israeli military’s first all-Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) combat unit to be sworn in.

Dozens of ultra-Orthodox soldiers gathered for the event at the Maccabees’ Tomb in Modiin, located in central Israel. However, unlike conventional IDF combat units, the ultra-Orthodox unit was sworn in without the traditional oath and the participants in the audience were separated by gender. Furthermore, instead of a military band, religious songs were played from speakers at the unique event. The Hashmonaim (Hasmonean) Brigade is designed to accommodate the religious lifestyle of ultra-Orthodox IDF soldiers.

Rabbi Moshe Korkus, the brigade's rabbi, blessed each of the new soldiers at the ceremony.

"Each one of you continues the way of the Maccabees, holding in one hand a sword and shield, and in the other hand declaring, 'Who is for God, come to me,'" Korkus stated.

The unique event included an officer leading a “Siyum Masechet,” a special prayer and blessing traditionally recited after religiously observant Jews complete the study of a section of the Talmud. Following other IDF ceremonies, the event concluded with the Israeli national anthem, “Hatikvah” ("The Hope"). However, the religious soldiers also sang "Mimkomcha Malkeinu Tofiah," a traditional prayer sung in synagogues on the Jewish Sabbath.

The majority of ultra-Orthodox Israeli Jews currently do not serve in the Israeli military due to religious, political and ideological reasons. Many leading ultra-Orthodox religious and political leaders oppose Haredi military enlistment, which has led to sharp tensions with the mainstream Israeli society. Tensions surrounding IDF enlistment also exist within ultra-Orthodox families. Some ultra-Orthodox soldiers participated without the support of their families, who oppose their decision to serve. However, other families support their children's choice to join the IDF.

"We are very proud of him and of all of them. We are proud of our sons studying in yeshivas, and of our sons serving in the army," the proud father, Gideon Shushan, told the Israeli news outlet Ynet. Shushan admitted that it is uncommon for members of their religious community to serve in the Israeli military.

"It’s unusual in our community, but natural to our soul. Being part of the fight in a war – there is nothing more Jewish than that. We are very proud of him and of all those who support and serve," Shushan said.

He further claimed that his son’s decision to join the IDF has only been met with positive reactions in their hometown, Beit Shemesh.

"The reactions in our town of Beit Shemesh (a town close to Jerusalem) have been all positive. Our rabbi supports it, and the community supports it. We all support both our sons and daughters who study in yeshivas and seminaries, and we are also proud of those who serve in the army, with God's help."

Mike, a relative of one religious soldier, Moshe, said he was proud for her son to serve in a combat role.

"Despite all the questions and criticism about the army, we are very proud of Moshe for enlisting, for completing the course, and for participating in defending the homeland," he said.

"Honestly, I didn’t think this was the path he would choose in life. But he’s doing it, and in the end I think it’s a good thing," Mike added.

The Hamas terror attack on Oct. 7, 2023, and the subsequent multifront war against Israel, has intensified the internal Israeli debate concerning ultra-Orthodox military enlistment.

Last June, IDF Chief of Staff Lt-Col. Herzi Halevi praised the ultra-Orthodox Netzah Yehuda Battalion while stressing that the IDF needed more combat soldiers.

"The IDF needs more fighters," Halevi said. "We want you to show that it's possible to be a Haredi fighter, to study and protect the state's security. Continue doing a good job, protecting the residents here and also being a pioneer – Haredi fighters, each one as he defines himself."