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“When the idea of ‘women’s hesder’ was first proposed over 12 years ago, I didn’t really believe it would take root,” admitted Brigadier General Amir Rogovsky at a recent celebration of the Hadas Program’s “bat mitzva.” “But in the end, reality has even exceeded the original vision. Not only did Hadas provide religious women with the opportunity they so desired – to serve in the army alongside their secular peers without compromising their religious beliefs – but it has also provided the IDF with a most valuable resource. The enthusiasm and idealism of Hadas soldiers is legendary amongst base commanders.”

The Hadas program, which successfully unites the two worlds of Ahavat Torah [the love of Torah] and Ahavat Hamedina [national patriotism], was launched against all odds in 1998. There are currently over 100 Hadas soldiers in active army service – in addition to 20 officers – and an additional 48 pre-army students in the beit midrash.

Former IDF Deputy Chief of Staffs and current Deputy Minister of Defense, Matan Vilnai, also praised the motivation of Hadas Program participants, noting that in today’s climate, “it is an unfortunate fact that so many of our young people shirk their responsibility toward defending the state. The Hadas soldiers have done the opposite; they looked for a way to be included, a way in which they could contribute.”

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