FAQs
The Executives Program: 2030 is a strategic initiative designed to integrate 50,000 working Haredi individuals into three key sectors essential to Israel’s security: the Reserves, the defense industry, and rescue and emergency services.
The program was developed in response to the new security reality following the October 7th massacre, recognizing the complex security challenges Israel faces in the coming decade. It also addresses the critical need for increased manpower across the entire security system, not just within the IDF.
This initiative offers practical solutions to Israel’s national security challenges through tailored programs that enable Haredi individuals to contribute significantly while maintaining their lifestyle. It does so without engaging in the ongoing debate over the Draft Law.
Absolutely not. The program does not involve Yeshiva students or young Haredi individuals who have not yet reached the exemption age. Instead, it focuses on voluntary service by members of the Haredi working population who are beyond the exemption age and are willing to contribute to national security.
The program’s initiators hold diverse views on the enlistment of Yeshiva students and the Draft Law. However, the Haredi figures behind this program are firmly opposed to drafting Yeshiva students into the military. Recognizing the pressing security needs, this initiative aims to provide meaningful solutions within those constraints.
No. The program is not part of any political negotiation and does not serve as a substitute for the Draft Law.
No. As stated, the program is entirely separate from the Draft Law and does not involve quotas, sanctions, or political pressures.
Contrary to common perceptions, Haredi society has demonstrated an increasing willingness to volunteer, particularly for security-related efforts – provided these discussions focus on security challenges rather than narrative confrontation.
According to professional surveys conducted by the Institute for Strategy and Haredi Policy, 70% of working Haredi men are interested in contributing to the Reserves. This presents a groundbreaking opportunity to reinforce the Reserves, which are currently under immense strain.
Unlike past efforts, this program does not focus on drafting Yeshiva students or engaging in political decisions. Instead, it assesses security system needs and develops frameworks suited to Haredi society. These frameworks will enable participation in the Reserves, home front defense, specialized defense units, settlement protection, the defense industry, and national rescue and emergency services—while fully preserving the Haredi way of life.
This program originated within the Haredi community, driven by two key principles: a firm stance against drafting Yeshiva students and a recognition that Haredi society seeks to contribute to Israel’s security and economic stability. Many leading Rebbes, rabbis, and Admorim have individually expressed their support for those who wish to join.
The program was initiated by Eli Paley, President of the Paley Foundation and Chairman of the Institute for Strategy and Haredi Policy. In the wake of the October 7th massacre and the outbreak of war, Paley convened past and present security executives, alongside rabbis and Haredi public figures, to formulate a strategic plan for Haredi integration into national security efforts.It is important to note that this program is entirely independent of political entities.
Yes. The initiative has received broad support from the Minister of Defense, the IDF leadership, senior officials in the security establishment, and the Ministry of Defense, which has been instructed to promote it.
Additionally, dozens of department heads and former senior security officials—from the National Security Council, the IDF, Home Front Command, Shin Bet, and the Prime Minister’s Office—view this initiative as groundbreaking at a national level.
While the IDF does require additional active-duty combat soldiers, it also faces a critical shortage of reserve personnel to support home front defense, ongoing security operations, and border protection. Expanding the Reserves allows active-duty forces to be deployed for deeper operational missions.
This program does not replace the need for active-duty soldiers. However, it offers a unique solution by incorporating thousands of Haredi individuals who are beyond the exemption age and are not currently part of the Reserves’ manpower pool.
Expanding this population’s involvement strengthens the Reserves, alleviates the immense strain caused by prolonged combat operations, and provides a crucial long-term security solution.
The program has been approved by the IDF and the Ministry of Defense. Its initial phases are already underway, including pilot programs in various security frameworks. The Ministry of Defense and the IDF will continue to implement it according to operational needs, with full-scale execution expected in the coming months.
We welcome all forms of collaboration and encourage anyone interested in supporting the program’s advancement to reach out. We’d be happy to explore ways for you to contribute and get involved.