The first company of the IDF haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Hashmonaim Brigade received their berets on Wednesday, the IDF announced.
The Hashmonaim Brigade soldiers received the berets after two weeks of combat training, including a 55-kilometer beret march through the Jerusalem hills, which ended at the Western Wall, the IDF said.
At the Western Wall, the soldiers completed their training in a ceremony led by the brigade commander, Col. A.
What did the Hashmonaim Brigade's training consist of?
According to the IDF, the soldiers were trained at the Tivetz base. During their training, they carried out exercises across Israel in order to prepare for operational deployment wherever they are needed.
Their training consisted of navigation exercises, night combat, raid drills, and assault training. The IDF said that the entire training program and base were adapted to accommodate the haredi lifestyle for the soldiers.
Towards the end of their training, the soldiers began their squad commanders' course to train the incoming haredi commanders in the IDF.
"Your strength and power are impressive and are reflected in your high level of professionalism, cohesion, and commendable resilience," Col. A. said. "You, my dear ones, always know that it is God who gives you the strength, and through Him you will succeed in defending the people of Israel, with God's help. You are the brigade's firstborn sons, and we are proud of you."