At the police station in Kafr Kanna, near Nazareth, the sight of a young officer wearing a black yarmulke and long, curled sidelocks has become a part of daily life. Known affectionately as “the Sheikh” by locals filing complaints or seeking assistance, 22-year-old Maor Korsias cuts an unconventional figure in the heart of an Arab town.
A devout Haredi Jew from Tiberias, Korsias spends his mornings immersed in Torah study at a kollel and dedicates his afternoons to volunteering with the Israel Police. Over the past year, he has become a familiar and respected presence in Kafr Kanna, where he hopes to transition into a full-time police role.
“I grew up in a Haredi home and attended some of the most prestigious Torah institutions,” Korsias shared. “After marrying a year ago, I began studying full-time in a kollel under a renowned rabbi in northern Israel. For most of my life, my focus was solely on Torah study, supported by my wife.”
But Korsias felt a pull to contribute beyond the beit midrash. “My father and brothers all served in the security forces, and I felt a duty to follow that path in my own way. With my wife’s encouragement, I decided to balance Torah study with volunteering as a patrol officer a few times a month.”
His decision to serve in Kafr Kanna was deliberate. “I chose a location far from home where my identity as a Haredi Jew could have the most impact. My presence here builds bridges between the police and the local community and brings a unique perspective to the force.”
Korsias firmly believes in the harmony of his dual roles. “It’s possible to contribute to society without compromising Torah values. My volunteer work strengthens the community, while my studies provide spiritual support for the resilience of the state. Each complements the other.”
* Ynet contributed to this article.
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