IDF appeals to religious girls with exemptions to enlist in the military

The initiative, reported by Kol B'Ramah on Sunday evening, is part of a broader effort to expand recruitment and offer opportunities to a wider demographic, including those from the religious and Haredi communities.

According to the report, the IDF has been reaching out to religious high school girls, particularly those from Charedi and state-religious educational streams, through SMS messages. The messages offer the girls an opportunity to reconsider their exemptions and explore military service options, specifically in areas like the Air Force and the Communications Corps.

One message sent to potential recruits reads: "We offer you to take another look at service in the IDF. If you are interested in us contacting you (without giving up the exemption you hold), you can fill out this survey." Another message invites them to consider positions within the Communications and Cyber Defense Division. These targeted appeals are part of an ongoing campaign where many girls receive dozens of such messages annually.

Some of the girls who received these messages attend Chabad mosdos that, while officially in the state-religious education system, follow a more Haredi lifestyle. Additionally, many of the girls belong to the Dati-Leumi community. Parents of these girls expressed frustration at the ongoing nature of the communication, calling it “chutzpah and harassment.” One parent stated that while receiving a single message might be acceptable, receiving repeated communications over weeks and months was disrespectful to their community.

The IDF has responded to these concerns, emphasizing that the messages are aimed at women from the state-religious education system. The military pointed out that many of these girls are interested in military service that aligns with their religious lifestyle. They clarified that the messages are merely an offer to explore the available tracks within the IDF, and there is no obligation attached.

Earlier this month, Yesh Atid MK Shelly Tal Meron also called for the enlistment of Haredi girls, alongside boys from yeshivot, to contribute to Israel’s military efforts. This ongoing conversation about military service and religious exemptions is part of a broader debate on how to balance Israel’s security needs with the values of its diverse religious communities.