Israel is currently grappling with significant challenges both from external adversaries and internal divisions, according to Yossi Levi, a former battalion commander and chief executive officer of NAHAL HAREDI. Speaking at a recent summit, Levi highlighted the complex relationship between the ultra-Orthodox community and military service, noting that while not all are opposed, there is little active support for joining the armed forces.

Levi recounted his own journey from a Jerusalem ultra-Orthodox background to becoming the first haredi battalion commander in the history of the Israeli military. He emphasized the efforts of NAHAL HAREDI to increase ultra-Orthodox participation in the military, including new educational initiatives and pre-army programs inspired by the Religious Zionist movement.

Despite progress, with 1,000 students now in haredi pre-army programs and thousands of veterans, Levi stressed that much more needs to be done. He called for the integration of tens of thousands more ultra-Orthodox individuals into the military, economy, and society, arguing that true unity is essential for Israel's security and future in the region.