Rabbi Druckman praises hesder IDF recruits

Druckman- Israel Prize laureate and head of Yeshivat Or Etzion- praises new IDF recruits at induction ceremony.

By JEREMY SHARON
Rabbi Haim Druckman 370 (photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
Rabbi Haim Druckman 370
(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem)
Rabbi Haim Druckman, Israel Prize laureate and head of Yeshivat Or Etzion, spoke at the IDF induction center on Monday to students enrolled in the hesder yeshiva program, who will begin their military service this week.
The hesder course combines Torah study and army service. Participants usually serve a year and a half in the army and study for three and a half years in a yeshiva.
“It is a great privilege to serve in the IDF and to be partners in the security of the people of Israel in their land,” Druckman told the assembled students.
“Hesder students serve in the army out of a deep motivation, a sense of responsibility and through recognition that doing so is a Torah commandment,” the rabbi said.
Druckman concluded his speech by blessing the students that they “go in peace.”
Last week, the Israel Prize committee approved the choice of Druckman to be awarded the Lifetime Achievement for his special contribution to society and state. The rabbi was one of the founders of the hesder yeshiva program, is chairman of Bnei Akiva and also served as director of the State Conversion Authority from 1990 until last month.
Approximately 750 students from across the country who are enrolled in the hesder yeshiva program will begin their military service on Wednesday, 79 percent of whom will serve in combat roles, according to hesder statistics.
During his speech, Druckman also addressed the rocket fire that hit the South this week, saying that the situation is “intolerable.”
“I am sure that the State of Israel has the ability to bring it to a stop and that the people of the South, like all other residents of the country, will be able to live in peace and tranquillity,” he said.
The Association of Hesder Yeshivot director Eitan Ozeri, who accompanied Druckman, noted that the current intake of hesder students to combat units was particularly high, and pointed out that there were some yeshivot from which the entire class was entering combat roles.
Ozeri highlighted Yeshiva Neveh Dekalim in Ashdod, through which 32 students are enlisting this week, all of whom are going into combat units in the Nahal and Paratrooper brigades as well as the Armored Corps, Military Intelligence and the navy.