Zamir noted that the fighters operate at the heart of IDF activity, defending the people of Israel, the Land of Israel, and Jewish tradition while maintaining a Haredi lifestyle.

By The IDF Club

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir on Sunday lit the eighth Chanukah candle together with soldiers and commanders of the Chashmonaim Brigade at Camp Tevetz, marking the holiday with a message of unity, strength, and service.

Zamir praised the brigade’s operational activity over the past year, saying it has proven that meaningful combat service can be combined with maintaining a Haredi way of life.

The chief of staff emphasized that the strength of the IDF lies in its soldiers from across Israeli society, noting that the army faces growing operational demands and a need for additional combat troops.

He said the IDF is working to expand the Chashmonaim Brigade and develop additional integration frameworks. Recently, the brigade completed its first commanders course, and an officers course for Haredi fighters is expected to open in the future as part of building a new generation of Haredi leadership across all arenas.

Referring to the spirit of the unit, Zamir said the brigade’s name reflects its mission. He noted that its fighters operate at the heart of IDF activity, defending the people of Israel, the Land of Israel, and Jewish tradition while maintaining a Haredi lifestyle, and serving as a model of combat spirit and mutual responsibility.

During the ceremony, Zamir also underscored that the mission of the IDF is not yet complete. He said the military continues to act to bring home the last fallen hostage, Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili for burial in Israel, and stressed that the IDF will not consider its mission finished until he is returned.

Zamir concluded by describing the soldiers of the Hasmonaim Brigade, together with all IDF fighters, as “the Maccabees of our time,” embodying dedication, faith, and determination in the defense of Israel.