‘My first army trek of 3 kilometers, was more difficult than the notorious Beret trek, which was 40 kilometers.’
By Hezy Laing
For most of his adult life Sergeant B never considered conscription – yet today he is training the future generation of Charedi combat soldiers.
After years of learning in Charedi Torah institutions, B. decided at the age of 30 to enlist in the reserves and join the Hasmonean Brigade.
What made him make the change, put on a uniform and lead the training of Charedi fighters?
“When I jumped into the water, I never imagined that I would find myself going to a platoon commander’s course and asking to become an officer as well,” says B., a platoon sergeant in the Hasmonean Brigade, which yesterday recruited a new class of fighters to its ranks.
“For me, as someone who grew up in Torah institutions and led a full Charedi lifestyle, conscription wasn’t on the agenda.”
But like many others, the horrific events of October 7th changed everything.
“I thought it over a lot and realized that there was no choice. The need for fighters is great, and I couldn’t continue to stand by and watch the reservists collapse under the burden.”
When he heard that there was a unique enlistment opportunity for the Charedi Brigade’s reserve battalion – one that allows even those with exemptions and no previous military background to undergo full combat training without abandoning the Charedi lifestyle – he understood that this was his chance, and at the age of 30, he put on a uniform and began his service.
The transition from the routine of civilian life to military discipline, along with the effort bar that is being built, brought with it an operational and physical leap, the same one that his soldiers will also go through: “My first army trek of 3 kilometers, was more difficult than the notorious Beret trek, which was about 40 kilometers,” B. recounts, “but that’s the magic that happens here – you are built from scratch. You start at a certain point, and suddenly you discover in yourself powers that you didn’t know existed within you.”
Alongside the operational requirements, he talks about a framework that combines professionalism, along with an environment adapted to the Charedi lifestyle, including a daily schedule that combines regular Torah study alongside combat training. This combination, he says, is what builds resilience, “When you push yourself to the edge and carry out a mission from a deep connection to the defense of the people, you grow mentally and spiritually. We went through hard training, waking up in the middle of the night and doing complex exercises – and that’s exactly what builds you as a fighter, one who wakes up in the morning with fire in his eyes.”
“I understood the big story here and the importance of building the brigade’s future generation,” he emphasizes, “It pushed me to move up the command ladder, I went to the platoon commanders’ course with a clear ambition to build the next generation of fighters. Our instructors came from the most elite units in the IDF, in order to instill an operational standard at the highest level, and now it’s our turn to continue their momentum.”
“We will push you as much as possible,” promises Sergeant B, “Even if it is difficult and there will be moments of breaking, these things will build you up, and bring out strengths that you never imagined existed within you. You have nothing to be afraid of, you will learn that you can get a lot out of yourself. Take the leap and do it – there’s a fantastic group here that will accompany you and help you reach your highest potential.”
