The graduation ceremony for the first combat officers’ course of the ‘Hasmonean’ Brigade took place yesterday (Tuesday), on the rooftop of Yeshivat Hakotel in Jerusalem, headed by the Head of the Manpower Directorate, Major General Dadi Bar Kalippa, and the Commander of the Hasmonean Brigade, Colonel S.
The officers’ course graduation ceremony was held after seven months of training, which was conducted in accordance with IDF General Staff orders for the integration of the Haredi public into the IDF, with full adaptation to the cadets’ lifestyle, under the command of the Officers’ School (Bahad 1), without any compromises in the training content or its professional level.
During the ceremony, officer ranks were awarded to the 15 new officers, who constitute the brigade’s first officer cohort. Throughout the training, the cadets participated in operational activities in Lebanon and Judea and Samaria.
The new officers are joining the IDF’s command echelon and are expected to be integrated into key positions in the ‘Hasmonean’ Brigade, to command and lead its soldiers in operational activity across all sectors, as well as to take a significant part in the brigade’s development and in building the Haredi command echelon within it.
Head of the Manpower Directorate, Major General Dadi Bar Kalippa, said: “One will become a hundred, a hundred a thousand, and a thousand ten thousand. We stand here today in a historic moment, before the Western Wall, the end of the first Haredi officers’ course. This is a moment of immense excitement, of deep gratitude, and of an important turning point on the long road.”
“About two years ago, when the establishment of the Hasmonean Brigade – the first Haredi brigade in the IDF – began, some raised an eyebrow. Some said the gaps were too large, that the connection between the Haredi lifestyle and the demanding military framework was impossible, that the necessary adaptations would be far-reaching and unfeasible, and there were many reasons to decide it was not worth entering this adventure.”
“But the IDF knew well that the operational need was urgent, this is a time of war and the entire nation is in danger, and understood the magnitude of the hour. The IDF internalized a deep truth: that what was impossible in the past, can and must be done today, to influence tomorrow, and what may have been less necessary before, has now come to its time and season, and we have no right to succumb to any excuse.”
“The course you are completing today marks the end of an unprecedented process. We demanded that you be the best in every field, to be both scholars and warriors. You have passed the test and you are worthy. A brigade is not just a collection of weapons, combat doctrines, or facilities. A brigade needs spirit, a brigade relies on commanders – among them are those who are the leaders of their generation, those whom the soldiers follow, and those who bear responsibility in the name of the collective.”
“‘Go and be a commander for us, and let us fight,’ it is said in the Book of Judges. How important commanders are. The course you are completing today is the culmination of an unprecedented process. We have built a demanding, adapted, and precise track here, operating in full coordination with the Officers’ School, and meeting the highest IDF standards.”
“Go forth. Lead from the front, care for your soldiers, maintain your unique identity, and be proud of the path you have chosen. May the name of the Lord be upon you, go and succeed!”
The Commander of the ‘Hasmonean’ Brigade, Colonel S., stated: “‘Officer Sprouts,’ the chosen cadre of the Hasmonean Brigade – upon whom the eyes of the entire nation are turned in hope for a better future.”
“You too, the first 15 officers completing a full training track and officers’ course in the Hasmonean Brigade, are loyal emissaries to fulfill your mission in the world. You left your homes, your homeland, for a mission of paramount importance – leadership in the mission of defending the people of Israel in their land. You chose to lead. You did so with awe of heaven, with courage, with determination, and with professionalism, without falling short of the IDF officer training standard, and on the other hand, without falling short of the Haredi officer standard, as the IDF and the Hasmonean Brigade promised to uphold.”
“The brigade, established over two years ago, is an island of hope in the people of Israel. In times of many disputes and opinions, the very existence of the brigade, which serves as a home for the Haredi public, ensuring full operational service at the forefront of the IDF, while also preserving the Haredi lifestyle, is an anchor for the people of Israel. The Haredi public appreciates the trust-building steps you are taking. Our actions have reward, and the brigade will continue to grow and flourish.”
“And may we merit that every Haredi mother knows that she has entrusted the fate of her sons into the hands of worthy commanders. For the sake of the sanctification of the Holy One, Blessed be He, and by virtue of the authority vested in me, and by the authority of the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, I hereby certify you as graduates of the officers’ course, entitled to wear the officer’s insignia. In the spirit of Abraham our father, the first Jewish warrior who went without hesitation into a mighty battle, in the spirit of the heroes of Israel throughout the generations, go forth to your missions and may God be with you.”
