Historic milestone: IDF welcomes first Haredi battalion commander

In a candid interview with Kan News, Levy, currently the CEO of the Netzah Yehuda Organization, shared his journey, his frustrations with Haredi recruitment during the war, and his vision for inspiring a new generation. “I hope one day young Haredim will see me as a role model,” he said, reflecting on his upcoming command.

Levy’s path has been relentless. “I’m on my fifth round of reserve duty,” he noted, counting a battalion commanders’ course his wife jokingly tallies as a sixth. Called up on October 7, 2023, amid Hamas’ attack, he’s since juggled civilian leadership—recruiting Haredim into the IDF—and military duty. “I’ll head a battalion soon, likely the only Haredi commander right now, but I hope the first of many,” he said. His dual role underscores a personal mission: easing the burden on overtaxed reservists. “It’s tough to ask soldiers for another round when some haven’t served at all,” he admitted. “It’s a financial strain too—I’m pushing to bring more Haredi recruits to help.”

Early in the war, Levy saw a flicker of Haredi support—prayers, food deliveries, and enlistments—but it waned. “At the start, many drafted, saying, ‘We’re with you,’” he recalled. “But we need a seismic shift in mindset.” Through Netzah Yehuda, which integrates Haredim into combat roles, he’s notched successes, yet recruitment numbers lag. “We’ve done well over the years, but not enough to transform the big picture,” he lamented, wary of social rifts if the imbalance persists.

Levy’s ascent to battalion commander isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a beacon for Haredi youth. As the IDF navigates manpower shortages, his leadership could signal a turning point, bridging a divide with every step he takes.