How Do Charedim Feel About Charedi Soldiers Who Do Join the IDF?
The Charedi world draws a clear distinction between the institution of the IDF, which it sees as incompatible with Torah life, and the individual Jews — even Charedim — who serve in it. The IDF as a system is viewed critically for a number of halachic, hashkafic, and spiritual reasons. But when it comes to the individuals who serve, especially those from Charedi backgrounds, the approach is one of concern, not condemnation, and in some cases — even heartbreak.
1. The System vs. the Individual
Gedolim and rabbanim have consistently taught that we must not confuse disagreement with hatred. A Charedi Jew who ends up in the army is not viewed as a rasha or an enemy. He is seen as a fellow Jew — often someone who was pressured, misled, or unaware of the full consequences.
Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l once said:
“If a bochur ends up in the army, we must ask: What did we not do for him? What did we miss?”¹
Rather than attacking these young men, Charedi rabbanim ask how they can help them stay connected to Torah, davening, and mitzvos.
2. Do Charedim Reject Them?
There is a painful reality: some Charedi soldiers feel rejected — by their communities, yeshivas, or even families. But this rejection is not the Torah ideal. In fact, most Charedi rabbanim are deeply opposed to such harshness.
Rav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz zt”l, when asked if a soldier who grew up Charedi should be turned away from yeshiva upon return, replied:
“If he still wants to learn, bring him in — with kavod! The Torah has not left him.”
3. The Silent Struggle
Many Charedi soldiers enter the army quietly and try to maintain mitzvah observance as best they can. But the spiritual challenges are enormous. Often they are surrounded by a culture that does not value their yiras Shamayim, sometimes even ridicules it.
Rabbanim describe this not as rebellion, but as tragedy.
"We are not angry at them," one Rosh Yeshiva said. "We are sad for them."
4. Why Does the Community React with Distance?
When there is distancing or discomfort, it often stems from fear — not hate:
- Fear that others may follow.
- Fear that the community’s Torah values may be weakened.
- Fear of the spiritual price these young men are paying.
But many in the Charedi world are working to find the balance — staying true to the Torah’s standards, while not pushing away those who stumble or struggle.
5. Efforts to Help, Not Alienate
Organizations like Lev L’Achim and Netzach Yisrael quietly support young men who ended up in army frameworks. These groups try to help them stay connected to Torah — organizing shiurim, tefillah, and even arranging chavrusas in the evenings.
The Charedi world understands: no Jew is beyond return.
A True Story – The Bochur in Uniform
A young man from a well-known yeshiva drifted. He didn’t feel he was succeeding in learning, and with pressure from outside influences, he eventually joined the army.
Months later, on a Shabbos afternoon in Yerushalayim, wearing his uniform and unsure of where he stood, he hesitantly walked into a small shul. The Rav, an elderly talmid chacham, recognized him.
Without a word, the Rav stood up, walked over, and took the soldier’s hand. “Come, you’ll sit with me.”
That young man began crying right there.
That embrace didn’t mean the Rav approved of his path. It meant the Rav never stopped believing in his neshama.
Today, the man wears a black hat and learns every morning before work.
Conclusion: Torah Without Hate
The Charedi world does not support its youth going into the IDF — and for good reason. The environment is antithetical to Torah values, the risks to ruchniyus are severe, and the broader social goals of the IDF are often at odds with Charedi life.
But once a young man is already there — whether by choice, pressure, or confusion — the true Torah response is:
- To care.
- To help.
- To cry.
- To guide.
Not to mock. Not to hate.
Because no Jewish soul is beyond reach. And no Jewish soldier — in uniform or out — is ever beyond the love of Hashem.
Footnotes & Sources
- Pe’er Hador, Vol. 2 – Teachings of Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman.
- Testimonies from talmidim of Rav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz zt”l, published in Yated Neeman.
- Netzach Yisrael and Lev L’Achim internal records and volunteer accounts.
- Based on true stories shared by army rabbanim and kiruv professionals, names withheld for privacy.