Israel faces a complex challenge as it seeks to increase enlistment among haredi (ultra-Orthodox) young men in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). While government efforts often focus on legislation, enlistment targets, and tailored military service programs, less attention is given to the post-service experience of these soldiers, many of whom face significant social and economic hurdles upon their discharge.
During a recent visit to the IDF’s Hashmonaim Brigade, a young haredi soldier shared his experience of enlisting despite familial opposition. Identified only as H., the soldier revealed that his decision to join the military led to estrangement from his mother, who told him, “I love you, but you cannot come home.” Such stark personal consequences highlight the tension between military service and the social realities within haredi communities, where enlistment often results in separation not only from family but also from broader community networks.
According to the IDF’s Department for Discharged Soldiers and Reservists, 1,830 soldiers from haredi backgrounds completed their service in 2025, including 336 combat soldiers. These individuals face the challenge of reintegration into civilian life with limited access to education, formal professional networks, and, in some cases, family support. Although these soldiers return with valuable skills such as leadership, discipline, and teamwork—attributes sought after by employers and academic institutions—they often encounter barriers in translating military experience into civilian success.
Observers note that the transition from military to civilian life for haredi veterans remains insufficiently addressed. Experts argue that this transition should start well before discharge, with personalized plans supporting education, employment, and social reintegration. A coordinated approach involving the IDF, the government, employers, universities, and civil society organizations is essential to create pathways that allow these young men to maintain their religious and cultural identities without compromising their future prospects.
Such comprehensive support is viewed not merely as a social welfare issue but as a critical component of wider enlistment, employment, and national development strategies. Success stories of haredi veterans who establish stable careers and remain connected to their communities can serve as powerful incentives for others contemplating military service, potentially shifting communal attitudes toward enlistment.
As H. and others complete their military service, the question remains whether families and communities will welcome them back. Advocates emphasize the need for societal acceptance that acknowledges the coexistence of commitment to faith and dedication to national service. The overall success of increasing haredi enlistment, they suggest, will ultimately be judged by how many soldiers return to a supportive home and community, equipped with the tools to build a sustainable future.