In a touching moment that bridges worlds, Shlomo Zilberman, a devout Haredi soldier serving in the elite Paratroopers Brigade, found himself explaining the intricacies of Sabbath observance to none other than Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant. This unexpected encounter beautifully illustrates the diverse tapestry of the IDF and the growing integration of the ultra-Orthodox community into Israeli society.
Zilberman, with a mix of pride and humility, shared his journey from a sheltered Haredi background to the front lines of Israel's defense. "I didn't know what the army was. They had to explain this to me," he confessed to Gallant, his words painting a vivid picture of the cultural leap he's made. The soldier's admission that he couldn't even distinguish between "red and black infantry boots" before enlisting tugs at the heartstrings, reminding us of the courage it takes to step into an unfamiliar world.
But it was Zilberman's unwavering commitment to his faith that truly captivated the Defense Minister. With passion in his voice, the young soldier explained the concept of "Rabenu Tam" - a stricter interpretation of Sabbath observance that extends the holy day by an extra 40 minutes. "This is very important to me. It is an integral part of my Sabbath," Zilberman declared.
In a lighthearted moment that brought smiles all around, Zilberman playfully suggested to Gallant that if more Haredim join the ranks, "You will have to wear a kippah!"
Zilberman's journey from a world of Torah study to the rugged terrain of military service is not just inspiring - it's a testament to the evolving face of the IDF and the unity of the Israeli people.
* Arutz Sheva contributed to this article.