Female IDF warrior declares religious values fully protected even in frontline combat units.
A special session initiated by MK Chili Tropper (Blue and White) and MK Sharon Nir (Yisrael Beytenu) was held Monday in the Knesset to honor female combat soldiers for their service during the war.
Lawmakers praised the dedication, courage, and operational achievements of women serving in frontline units across multiple sectors.
Religious Combat Paramedic Shares Personal Journey
Among the speakers was SGT M., a religious combat paramedic who serves in a mixed-gender unit within the Israel Defense Forces.
She described the challenges of maintaining a religious lifestyle in demanding combat environments, including within a Namer armored personnel carrier.
“There are many difficulties being a religious woman, whether in the company or inside the Namer,” she said. “But I never compromised on my values.”
She detailed how she strictly upheld religious observances:
- Avoiding physical contact with male soldiers
- Covering her hair
- Lighting Shabbat candles
- Ensuring separate sleeping arrangements, even in confined operational settings
“There are always solutions,” she emphasized.
Message to Religious High School Girls
In a direct appeal to young religious women considering enlistment, SGT M. delivered a clear message:
“No girl in a religious high school should think otherwise — the military allows us to maintain a religious environment. Don’t let ignorant views put anyone down. The military is very facilitating.”
Her testimony underscored the IDF’s efforts to accommodate religious observance while maintaining operational readiness — a point lawmakers highlighted as evidence of Israel’s commitment to pluralism within its defense forces.
Broader Significance
The session reflected growing recognition of female combat soldiers’ contributions in active war zones. It also spotlighted the evolving role of religious women in elite and frontline units.
Supporters argue that such examples strengthen national unity by demonstrating that faith, service, and security are not mutually exclusive — but mutually reinforcing pillars of Israeli society.
