This morning (Sunday), a graduation ceremony was held for the first platoon of Haredi fighters in mandatory service in the Border Police at the Corps School in Beit Horon.
The ceremony was attended by National Security Minister MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, Border Police Commander Chief Superintendent Brik Yitzhak, Deputy Border Police Commander Superintendent Nachshon Nagler, Corps School Commander Superintendent Jihad Hassan, Israel Police Rabbi Chief Superintendent Rami Brachyahu, Netzach Yehuda Association CEO Yossi Levy, commanders, fighters, and their families.
For the first time in the history of the corps, about four months ago, a new platoon of recruits who maintain an ultra-Orthodox lifestyle enlisted for mandatory service in the Border Police. Today, 31 graduates who successfully completed the challenging training stand on the parade ground. The Haredi platoon was given the name "Avnet" (belt).
Over the past four months, the fighters underwent full Border Police combat training, which included urban warfare, open area combat, first aid, policing powers, physical and operational fitness, hand-to-hand combat, handling of public disturbances and use of crowd dispersal means, field craft, values training, operational vehicle driving training, technological training for advanced equipment, and operational experience in the field.
In cooperation with the IDF's Haredi administration, the corps adapted the training to the needs of the fighters, during which they also invested time in learning and professional combat training as well as in prayers and "religious content study," as described by the Israel Police.
About a week ago, towards the end of their training, the fighters carried out took part in a large operation that took place in the Shuafat refugee camp in the Jerusalem sector.
Starting next week, the platoon will join the Border Police forces in the Jerusalem envelope and will operate in important missions to defend the city, prevent the infiltration of illegal residents, and thwart terrorism in the sector to protect the State of Israel.
The integration of Haredim into service in the Israel Police and Border Police is being carried out as part of the policy of the Minister of National Security, MK Itamar Ben-Gvir, who blessed the fighters at the ceremony and said:
"This move is not just an addition of manpower to the police, not just more high-quality people coming to strengthen, but a huge strategic move: We are one people, one heart, and all of us as one person. During the months of training, you received the best professional tools of the Border Police, and today you are becoming full-fledged fighters.
This move we made, with tremendous efforts, and there were many obstacles, to create a track for recruiting Haredi fighters to the ranks of the Border Police - is very important. The Border Police made many adjustments and efforts to open this track, which any young Haredi can join - and receive all the spiritual support he needs. To enlist as Haredi for service - and be discharged as Haredi from service.
I want to tell you, the 31 dear fighters who are finishing their training today: I am very proud of you. The state is proud of you, your families are proud of you. The people of Israel are proud of you!
I am sure you will be wonderful fighters, do excellent work and experience meaningful service. You have my full backing. The words of our Sages symbolize more than anything who you are and what you are here in the Border Police: a combination of warfare, alongside Torah study. Sefer and Sayif (Book and Sword). This is the ideal, this is the truth and there is no other, you prove that this thing can be done!"
Border Police Commander Chief Superintendent Brik Yitzhak said:
This is a unique, first-of-its-kind and groundbreaking move, which testifies these days more than ever to the nature and beauty of Israeli society and the mutual guarantee that exists in it ... I hope that you will be the ones who will pave the way for those who come after you.
And with the qualities and determination I [see] here, it will undoubtedly happen - I want to strengthen the fighter Yogev Biton and his family, who have been evacuated from their home in Kiryat Shmona for a long time due to the war, and the fighter Avraham Blank, a lone soldier from Russia who got to reunite with his mother today. You and your like teach us all a chapter in dedication and what the spirit of victory is."
Corps School Commander Superintendent Jihad Hassan added:
"The fighters before us underwent training that includes professional and value-based content combined with study and prayers as usual, without the slightest compromise. Just as the study and lifestyle were in the first place, so was professionalism. From this, fighters were born who create a special combination between the values from home and the values of the corps, know how to find the similarities and look for the meaning and reason behind every action. This is the uniqueness of those who stand here before us."
This initiative not only strengthens the Border Police with dedicated and capable fighters but also builds bridges between different sectors of Israeli society.
As these 31 Haredi soldiers prepare to take on their roles in protecting Jerusalem and its surroundings, the "Avnet Platoon" shows that it is possible to be shomer torah umitzvos and complete national service at the same time, offering a unique solution to one of Israel's most complex social challenges.