Two Chabad Chassidim Among First Officers to Graduate From IDF’s Hashmonaim Brigade

by CrownHeights.info

The first officers’ course of the Israel Defense Forces’ Hashmonaim Brigade, established to enable Chareidi men to serve in the military while maintaining their religious way of life, has concluded, with two Chabad Chassidim among the graduates.

The graduation ceremony, attended by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, took place in Jerusalem on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026 and marks a significant milestone in the development of the brigade’s command structure. A total of 15 cadets completed the eight-month training course and are receiving their officer ranks.

The Hashmonaim Brigade was established to provide an infantry combat framework for Chareidi soldiers, with accommodations intended to preserve their religious observance. These include strictly kosher food, designated times for Torah study and prayer, and an environment structured to meet the soldiers’ religious requirements.

The officer-training program maintained the IDF’s professional standards, including the instruction normally provided at the military’s officers’ school, Bahad 1. At the same time, the course was adapted to accommodate the cadets’ Chareidi lifestyle.

The newly qualified officers are expected to take on command positions within the brigade, helping build a leadership cadre capable of directing its growing ranks of Chareidi combat soldiers.