(live here) – Hundreds of young men and women from Haifa and the surrounding area reported to the recruitment center this week, as part of the March 2025 cycle.
In the midst of a complex security period, a period of war and uncertainty, with a heated debate taking place in Israeli society in the background about the ultra-Orthodox's effort to advance the draft evasion law, our young people are leaving home and entering the gates of military service, imbued with a mission, with a desire to contribute their part in defending the State of Israel, while risking their lives.
Increased motivation to serve in the frontline units
The Armored Corps is reporting this week a dramatic increase in motivation to serve as a soldier, the numerical expression of this motivation is 140% recruitment per soldier compared to the number of standards required in this cycle. The Armored Corps stands out in the war in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and even in Judea and Samaria, when the tanks arrive everywhere and bring with them tremendous firepower in the ground battle. The infantry soldiers reported a significant sense of security when the tanks were by their side.
The Engineering Corps is prominent in dealing with Hamas and Hezbollah tunnels, and the fighters developed methods for maneuvering underground, methods that are studied today among friendly armies around the world.
The beginning of a journey of values and national contribution
In the early hours of the morning, the new recruits arrived, accompanied by their families, determined to embark on a journey that will greatly affect their adult identities. For them, military service is not just an obligation - it is a privilege.
These young people choose to dedicate their early years of adulthood to defending the country, a contribution that is not taken for granted in a free and democratic society. For many of them, it is a conscious choice to integrate into a culture of responsibility, dedication, and commitment to the values of bravery, dedication to mission, and love of country.
First steps on the path of warriors
At the reception point, just before boarding the buses, you could see the young people carrying their heavy bags on their shoulders, looking ahead, ready for what was to come.
The parents wait on the sidelines, accompanying them on their first steps as future warriors.
Those who enlisted this week, at the end of March, enlisted in the Armor and Combat Engineering Corps – combat soldiers that require steadfastness, high discipline, and a willingness to risk their lives for a cause greater than the individual.
The training they will undergo in the coming months will be difficult and challenging, but those who successfully complete it will be integrated as part of the defense system of the State of Israel.
A formative experience for the next generation of leaders
Military service is not just a security framework – it is an opportunity for personal and leadership development.
The young people are about to be exposed to a world of command, decision-making under pressure, team collaboration, and continuous learning in the field. They will be required to operate in sometimes complex and dangerous conditions, taking responsibility for their unit members and the lives of civilians. These experiences will continue to accompany them even years after their release and will influence the way they function as citizens and leaders in civil society.
Social partnership in uniform
The IDF continues to serve as a unifying engine of Israeli society – a place where young people from all over the country, from all sectors and cultures, meet and work shoulder to shoulder on a common mission.
Serving alongside youth from diverse backgrounds exposes recruits to the complex fabric of Israeli society, and strengthens the sense of partnership and mutual responsibility. This is one of the most significant expressions of Israeli solidarity – soldiers who work together, as part of the national defense system, while willing to sacrifice personal comfort for the common good.
Personal mission as part of the protective wall of the people of Israel
The young people who go into service see it as a mission – a direct personal contribution to the defensive wall of the State of Israel.
Especially in these days of bloody war, they understand that defending the homeland comes at a price, sometimes heavy, but they choose to bear it with pride.
Service in the IDF, especially in combat units, is not just a physical challenge – it is a moral and mental challenge. It requires them to uphold the principles of courage, initiative, self-discipline, and loyalty. This is one of the most obvious ways in which young people in Israel realize their values and express loyalty to their teammates, the state, and the people of Israel.
What is the connection to answering the national call?
A moving article to the point of tears.
Thanks