The Orthodox women of the Air Force: "They explain to me how the armament will set from the plane"
Quietly, quietly, a group of dozens of Orthodox women work in the development centers of the Ofek unit in the Kirya and at the Zrifin base, where they lead one of the main projects of the Air Force's technology unit, as part of the "Software in Faith" program. This week, the head of Atida, an Orthodox woman, received a medal of appreciation from the Air Force commander: "We made a real history together. Thank you to the women for sanctifying HaShem"
The ultra-Orthodox who have developed operational capabilities for Air Force fighter jets: In recent years, Air Force pilots have dropped thousands of bombs and missiles as part of the covert operations against Iran's establishment in Syria and the strengthening of Hamas and Hezbollah. But before the armaments, especially their new ones, were installed on fighter jets - a group of dozens of IDF-working civilians, all ultra-Orthodox, played a key role in the aircraft's aeronautical adaptation to bombs and missiles.
This is one of the main projects of the Air Force's technological unit, "Ofek", at the end of which many dozens of accurate attacks were possible, deep in enemy territory. Due to the large number of operations, the IDF purchased upgraded bombs, but parts of the existing fighter jets, the F-16 and the F-15, had to be adapted.
The software developers and the engineers who took a central part in the process are ultra-Orthodox, who were recruited to the Air Force as citizens, through the Atida organization. This is part of the "Software in Faith" project, which trains and transcends Orthodox women to work in high-tech companies or public bodies.
This week, the head of the association, Ester Salomon, received a medal of appreciation "beyond and beyond", from the commander of the Air Force, Major General Amikam Nurkin. Beside her stood Lt. Col. Yariv Gershuni, who led Jewish immigrants from Ethiopia and educated generations of commanders - and Sara Shadmi, a senior researcher who led a variety of developments in electronic warfare for nearly 50 years.
"Thanks to the women who sanctify HaShem"
Salomon, herself an Orthodox woman, thanked in her speech to the Air Force commander for "removing the barriers, opening the doors, understanding and faith, respect and sensitivity," she said. "Together we have made a true history that deserves to continue to prevail for the next generation. Thank you women for the sanctification of the name, the determination, the excellence and the gospel that you bring not only to your families, but also to the ultra-Orthodox society, the Air Force and the State of Israel."
Orthodox women in the IDF are not a common vision, if at all. This is a new phenomenon. The average age of women in the Ofek unit is 25. "They develop blocks (development versions) for the world of aviation, such as the 'light hail' bomb, It would have happened outside, "a senior officer in the unit explains to Ynet." Thus, in a short time, we use bombs for immediate and important operational needs. "
He said, "They themselves explain to me how the armament will be thrown from the plane - and how to properly operate the launch. They usually operate in the unit's laboratories and development centers in Tel Aviv or at the Zrifin base, so we took them to see the area, the squadrons, to see the fighter jets they renewed. "Squadron crews who said this was the first time they had spoken to an ultra-Orthodox man. One of them, from Ramat Beit Shemesh, brought her son and said to him in front of the fighter jets, 'Here, here is a mother working.'"
Working conditions adapted to their lifestyle
Another part of the ultra-Orthodox is leading development projects in the world of damage assessment after attacks. They were connected to the IDF as citizens through the Salomon Association, and as part of it received training as software developers or practical engineers.
"The desire to explore and improve is a part of us and is a fundamental component of the corps' organizational culture," Major General Nurkin said at the medal ceremony. "We are in increased competition with our enemies, and we must always be the first to meet the goals. Over the years, we have managed to strengthen the corps in connecting people to Israeli culture."
בשקט-בשקט פועלת קבוצה של עשרות חרדיות במרכזי הפיתוח של יחידת אופק בקריה ובבסיס צריפין, שם הן מובילות את אחד מהפרויקטים המרכזיים של היחידה הטכנולוגית של חיל האוויר, זאת כחלק מתוכנית "תוכנה באמונה". השבוע קיבלה ראש עמותת "עתידה", אישה חרדית, מדליית הערכה ממפקד חיל האוויר: "עשינו יחד היסטוריה...
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