“Unwelcome in Uniform”: Haredi Reservists Cry Foul Over Exclusion from IDF Military Rabbinate Course

Haredi IDF reservists accuse the military of religious discrimination after repeated rejections from the Military Rabbinate Course despite proven service records.

A growing number of Haredi IDF reservists, including members of the Chabad-Lubavitch community, are voicing serious complaints after being denied entry into the Military Rabbinate Course—allegedly due to their ultra-Orthodox background.

The allegations, reported by Mendy Rizel on Kol Barama Radio, include undercover audio recordings of affected soldiers expressing frustration and pain at what they describe as a discriminatory selection process.

“It feels like discrimination,” one soldier stated. “If you’re not Religious Zionist, you instantly feel out of place—and your odds of getting in drop dramatically.”

These are not fringe cases. The soldiers involved are seasoned reservists, many of whom have served admirably and contributed meaningfully to the army, including through their religious outreach and support of IDF troops. Chabad hasidim, in particular, are known for standing by soldiers across the front lines—yet say they’re being sidelined when seeking formal roles within the Military Rabbinate.

“I want to serve in a way that uses both my faith and my military experience,” another reservist said. “But the door is shut, and the message is clear: If you’re Haredi, you’re not wanted here.”

Applicants from multiple cycles shared similar stories—each pointing to invisible barriers that appear to exclude anyone who doesn’t fit the Religious Zionist mold. Despite their qualifications and strong desire to serve, they claim the system is rigged against them.

In response, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit dismissed the allegations, stating, “The selection process for the Military Rabbinate Course is conducted fairly and professionally. The allegations presented are completely baseless.”

But for the soldiers left outside looking in, the pain remains. “We’re good enough to serve in war zones,” one said bitterly, “but not good enough to wear a Rabbinate badge.”

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