For the first time, a young haredi man will perform his National Service in Israel’s elite Mossad unit, according to the ultra-Orthodox Kikar HaShabbat news site.
Never before has a member of that community served in Israel’s world-renowned intelligence, covert operations and counterterrorism service. The unidentified 22-year-old is making history, but will be joined by another unidentified 21-year-old man at the beginning of next year.
Though many haredim ultimately receive exemptions from army and national service requirements, some choose to perform national service or join religious army units.
National Civic Service Authority Director General Sar Shalom Jerbi said, “We congratulate the Mossad on opening its gates to National Service volunteers. I have no doubt that this is just the first part of the volunteers’ security activities in the Mossad, and that the organization will know how to recognize the qualities and abilities of haredi volunteers.”
“The fact that this volunteer joined the ranks of an elite organization such as the Mossad is proof of his talents and of the personal development the Authority provides its volunteers with,” Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel, who is also in charge of National Service, said. “I wish him and all the volunteers much success.”
