The IDF on Sunday announced the drafting of the first 50 Charedi soldiers into the newly established Chashmonean Brigade, marking a new era in integrating more Charedim into military service. The soldiers will form the brigade’s inaugural company, while an additional 100 older Charedi men have been drafted into the brigade’s first reserve unit. These reservists, having previously completed basic training under the Shlav Bet program for older recruits, will now undergo six months of combat training before joining the Chashmonean Brigade’s reserve forces. The IDF plans to continue expanding the brigade, with more recruits expected in the coming months. This initiative aims to address operational needs driven by the ongoing war. To accommodate the recruits, the IDF renovated a training base to align with the strict Charedi observance of halacha and recruited staff accordingly. The brigade will be led by Col. Avinoam Emunah, a frum senior officer. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)