New ultra-Orthodox Hasmonaean brigade holds ceremony in ancient Roman coliseum

The newly formed Haredi Hasmonean Brigade represents a striking shift in Israel’s military landscape, bringing ultra-Orthodox soldiers into a dedicated combat framework while preserving their religious lifestyle.

By Hezy Laing

A change-of-command ceremony in the new Hasmonean Brigade was held Tuesday in the presence of the IDF commander of the ground forces, Nadav Lotan.

Col. Avinoam Emunah ended his role as brigade commander and transferred command to Col. S.

The ceremony was held in a unique location – an ancient Roman coliseum in the Jewish town of Bet Shean.

Many noted that it is profoundly symbolic for Jewish soldiers to stand in an old Roman coliseum, a venue tied to an empire that crushed Judea, destroyed the Second Temple, and sent the Jewish people into centuries of exile.

The Romans sought to erase Jewish sovereignty, yet the presence of uniformed Jewish fighters in that same arena reverses the ancient narrative.

It transforms a site of past humiliation into a quiet declaration of survival, continuity, and restored national strength.

While the Romans are long gone, the Jewish nation they tried to erase is back and stronger than ever.

In his speech, Col. Emunah reviewed the brigade’s mission and said that since its establishment, the State of Israel has faced two major challenges: defense against enemies and uniting the people after two thousand years of exile.

According to him, the Hasmonean Brigade, as a fighting brigade that incorporates fighters from the Haredi community, is a response to both challenges.

He emphasized that “the existence of the brigade strengthens national unity and negates attempts at division, while striving to save Israel from a thorny hand and eradicate evil.”

The newly formed Haredi Hasmonean Brigade represents a striking shift in Israel’s military landscape, bringing ultra-Orthodox soldiers into a dedicated combat framework while preserving their religious lifestyle.

Built to accommodate strict halachic observance, the brigade integrates Torah study with advanced infantry training, creating a model that blends tradition with national service.

Its ranks draw from communities that once avoided enlistment, signaling a cultural transformation driven by security needs and internal leadership.

The brigade’s emergence reflects a broader effort to expand the IDF’s manpower pool while giving Haredi recruits a setting that respects their values and strengthens their sense of purpose.

In his speech, Emunah emphasized the spirit of the brigade, which is inspired by the Torah and Jerusalem, and noted the commanders’ commitment to loving their subordinates.

He thanked the fighters for their dedication and the heavy price they paid, defining them as a “point of truth” in Israeli society.

Col. S., who assumed the position of commander of the Hasmonean Brigade, said in his speech that he accepts the responsibility “with fear and reverence.”

He emphasized that the Hasmoneans are an Haredi infantry brigade, whose goal is to lead the most complex combat missions of the Jewish people while strictly observing Torah and commandments and its ultra-Orthodox character.

He noted that processes such as an independent officer course within the brigade express the IDF’s true commitment to integrating the ultra-Orthodox community – “not a melting pot, but integration while maintaining its uniqueness.”