In a heartwarming ceremony, the esteemed philanthropist David Hager was recognized for his unwavering dedication to the Haredi soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and their integration into Israeli society. The ceremony was graced by the presence of President Isaac Herzog, who awarded Hager the prestigious President’s Badge of Volunteering, an emblem of his tireless devotion to the cause.
Hager’s contributions towards promoting and integrating haredi communities into the IDF and the wider Israeli society have been monumental. His efforts span more than two decades and have touched thousands of lives. “David Hager’s selfless contributions have been pivotal in ensuring haredi soldiers succeed in their military endeavors and thrive in Israeli society,” said President Herzog at the ceremony.
Hager, a Jerusalem native, was instrumental in the early efforts to integrate the Haredi community into the IDF. He co-founded the Nachal Haredi and has since been a strong advocate for the Netzach Yehuda Association, which supports Haredi individuals throughout their military journey and beyond. His dedication has helped create a thriving community of over 16,000 haredi service graduates who are now active contributors to the Israeli economy and society.
The ceremony was marked by a series of surprises, including appearances by current and former IDF officers, philanthropist Mrs. Miriam Adelson, and Maj. Gen. Moti Almoz. These figures of prominence joined in honoring Hager’s invaluable contributions to the community and country.
In his acceptance speech, Hager emphasized his commitment to the Haredi soldiers and their integration into the IDF. “This badge truly belongs to the Haredi soldiers and the thousands of graduates from Netzach Yehuda and the Haredi battalions across the IDF,” Hager said. He further highlighted how the Haredi soldiers act as a bridge between different parts of Israeli society, fostering unity amidst times of internal polarization.
David Hager’s inspiring journey is a testament to the spirit of volunteerism and community support that is deeply woven into the fabric of Israeli society. His unyielding commitment to the Haredi soldiers and their integration into the IDF embodies Israel’s core values of inclusion, unity, and mutual respect. His work is a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of our collective responsibility to contribute to our nation’s strength and prosperity.
