We are more than 15 million Jews worldwide, of whom nearly 7 million live in Israel. This article is a tribute to those 7 million.

In Israel, many people grow up hearing stories from parents or grandparents who served in one of the country’s wars. Military service is not an abstract concept; it is woven into family history, national memory, and everyday life. For those who were not born in Israel but chose to make Aliyah, the privilege of serving the Jewish state often carries an even deeper emotional meaning, not only as a civic duty, but as a mitzvah and a personal affirmation of belonging.

Of Israel’s roughly 7 million Jews, approximately 1.4 million are Haredi (ultra-Orthodox). The question of Haredi military service remains one of the most complex and sensitive debates within Israeli society. Many Israelis seek to balance the idea of shared national responsibility with respect for a way of life centered around Torah study and religious devotion. At the same time, many believe........

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