First Orthodox Combat Fighters Graduate in Historic Border Police Ceremony

In a groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday, 31 Haredi men marked their entry into the Israeli Border Police as the first Orthodox Jewish combat fighters to complete the rigorous training program. The event in Beit Horon celebrated the graduation of the “Avneit” unit, a milestone for Haredi integration into Israel’s security forces.

The Border Police, a paramilitary unit within the Israel Police, is tasked with border security, counterterrorism, and internal security. The graduation ceremony highlights the strategic importance of including Haredi soldiers in the country's defense efforts, all while respecting their religious commitments.

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the new recruits: “This is not only about bolstering our forces with more manpower, but it is a strategic move that brings together the people of Israel, united as one.” He emphasized how the program overcame challenges, allowing Haredi youth to serve without compromising their religious identity. “The country, your families, and the people of Israel are proud of you.”

The Avneit unit’s training, which spanned four months, covered urban and open-area combat, policing skills, Krav Maga, first aid, and crowd control. In addition to tactical training, the soldiers were taught advanced technology, vehicle operation, and moral education. Their training culminated in a real-world mission at the Shuafat refugee camp near Jerusalem.

One unique feature of the program was its accommodation of the fighters' religious lifestyle. Time for prayer, Torah study, and religious guidance was built into the training schedule, ensuring that these men could stay spiritually connected while preparing for their military duties. Rabbis from the IDF oversaw the religious aspects, ensuring the recruits were fully supported.

Commander of the military school, Sub-Commissioner Jihad Hassan, praised the recruits for blending tradition with combat readiness. “The training these fighters underwent was uncompromising, both in professionalism and in accommodating their religious values. They stand here today as a symbol of this combination,” Hassan said.

The new Haredi recruits will serve in Border Police units around Jerusalem, playing a key role in counterterrorism operations, securing borders, and preventing illegal infiltrations.

The historic nature of this graduation comes amid a broader national debate over Haredi national service. Recent rulings from Israel’s High Court of Justice have challenged the legality of exemptions for yeshiva students, potentially affecting the governing coalition. As Haredim are Israel’s fastest-growing community, with over 138,000 yeshiva students in 2021, the debate around military service has intensified.

The recent war against Hamas has also shifted some Haredi perspectives on national service. A survey by the Press Service of Israel found that Haredi attitudes towards military service have softened in the wake of the October 7 attacks, reflecting a growing sense of shared responsibility for the defense of Israel.

This historic ceremony is a major step forward in integrating Haredi Jews into Israel's security forces, reflecting both their commitment to the nation and their deep spiritual values.

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