"There is a stigma that the ultra-Orthodox who serve in the army are the ones who start with girls in clubs, but that is really not true. Most of them are God-fearing and they also want to get married."
In recent years, we have heard of more and more ultra-Orthodox young people choosing to enlist in the IDF.
"Dear soldiers and graduates of eternity," reads a statement distributed to thousands of alumni of the association, soldiers and discharged soldiers, "In light of the demand and need for the issue, we decided to establish a matchmaking program.
It was further written that the appeal is intended "only for boys or girls who are tired of the nonsense and want to set up their home correctly and wisely and without games".
Shapira serves as the director of the lone soldiers department in the association and by virtue of his position he met hundreds of soldiers who lodged with him because they are interested in getting married and building a home but are having difficulty.
"One of the discharged soldiers, Michael Rabbi," he says, "said he knew someone who could help match mates to the association's graduates, young women with an ultra-Orthodox background who are also interested in getting married, so we decided to take up the gauntlet."
The three have launched dedicated WhatsApp groups to which the men and women details are sent and they try to make the necessary adjustments according to the details and personal preferences.
Shapira emphasizes that the target audience on the female side should be similar in lifestyle to the male.
Illustration image,
"Just as there are ultra-Orthodox who do not want to be students but want to serve in the army and then enter the labor market," he explains. "Not everyone is interested in your student."
According to him, this venture will prevent complete sadness for a few ultra-Orthodox army graduates.
"Instead of a guy serving in the military he will have to come to a matchmaking meeting and only then find out that the other side is put off by the fact that he served in the IDF and the path he chose, there will be a much better initial match and that will increase the chances of them getting married."
