Cpl. Y., a Haredi immigrant from Chile, shares how his commitment to Torah and service led him to a meaningful role in the IDF’s Maof unit.
Beit Shemesh / IDF Headquarters —
When Cpl. Y., a Haredi software developer in the IDF’s Maof unit, began his military service, he brought with him not just technical talent but a deep-rooted commitment to Torah values. His journey to the IDF began thousands of miles away in Chile, where his family made the life-changing decision to make Aliyah in search of a Torah-centered education.
In an interview with Israel National News, Y. recounted how his parents were alarmed by the American-style, secular curriculum at his local school in Chile, which emphasized vocational skills with little room for religious studies. Following a consultation with their community rabbi, the family moved to Tiberias when Y. was just 11.
The transition wasn’t easy, but Y. quickly integrated into a Haredi Talmud Torah, and later yeshivot, where he immersed himself in Torah learning. Still, as he matured, he felt something was missing.
“Learning is essential,” he explained, “but I grew up in a home where action and responsibility were just as important. I wanted to apply what I learned to help the broader world.”
This outlook led him to Yeshivat Derech Chaim, a unique program that blends Torah study with IDF service. From there, Y. entered the Maof unit, part of the IDF Telecommunications Corps, where he now works as a programmer developing internal software systems. While the specifics of his role remain classified, his work has a measurable impact on streamlining operations and improving technological efficiency.
Y. is also a staunch advocate for Haredi integration into the IDF, pushing back against the belief that religious identity cannot coexist with military service.
“The IDF absolutely accommodates Haredi soldiers,” he insists. “There are frameworks like Maof that allow full observance — from structured Torah study and daily tefillah to respecting dress codes and Halachic boundaries. If you want to remain Haredi, you can.”
Despite his visible role in uniform in Beit Shemesh, Y. acknowledges that reactions within the Haredi community vary — from quiet support to vocal disapproval. But he says both have only strengthened his resolve.
“Every day I feel grateful for this path. I’ve grown — religiously, professionally, and personally. I have no regrets.”
For Y., the IDF is not a contradiction to his faith, but an extension of it — a way to serve his country while staying true to the values he holds sacred.
