Feb 16, 2017

Helping Haredis Succeed in the IDF

To help Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jews thrive in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Federation’s overseas partner, The Jewish Agency for Israel, recently created Tiferet Arazim, a pre-military academy that prepares them for enlistment. Because Haredi society largely discourages service in the IDF, those who don’t seek a religious exemption are often less prepared for military service than their less religious peers. Your donation to the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign helps sustain the mechina (academy), which teaches the necessary skills and provides support systems to help soldiers adjust to their new way of life.

The first group of participants at Tiferet Arazim is religiously diverse. Some had veered from the faith and observance of their childhood and are seeking reconnection. For some, the mechina offers structure and helps build up the self-discipline needed to succeed in the IDF. For all, it is an exercise in forging a group dynamic as they prepare for their upcoming enlistment.

“I’m at the mechina so that I’ll be able to do my service for the Jewish people and in the best way I can,” said one member of Tiferet Arazim. “You have to prepare for enlistment and meaningful [military] service…I want to arrive ready in order to do a lot for the [Jewish] people and the state [of Israel].”

This initiative is just one of more than 100 programs and agencies supported by your contribution to the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign. To donate now, click here. Learn more how your contribution makes a difference in Miami, in Israel and worldwide, read our brochure.