The significant increase in the number of civil service volunteers joining the Israel Police in recent years reflects a broader trend: a growing interest among candidates seeking meaningful and impactful national service, according to reports by both the police and the Civil National Service Authority.

In a special interview, Yisrael Iluz, a graduate of the civil service program who joined the Israel Police in 2020, shares his journey — from civil service volunteer to his current role as an engineer at We-Ankor, a leading cybersecurity firm. Despite having just two years of experience at the company, Iluz already manages a team of six employees providing services to major defense organizations in Israel.

Landing his current role required going through an extensive selection process. Iluz began his professional path in the civil service, working in the Central Unit of the Israel Police (YAMAR), where he served as an intelligence desk analyst and cyber researcher.

“The role involved building intelligence profiles of suspects under surveillance,” explains Iluz. “YAMAR focuses on serious crime, and we were tasked with monitoring open-source intelligence, organizing information, and producing actionable reports for field units.”

One of the defining moments of his service was his participation in Operation Ocean in 2021 — the largest operation in Israeli police history targeting the illegal arms trade.

“Due to the exceptional scope of crime, the police launched a forceful campaign against organized crime,” Iluz recalls. “As intelligence desk analysts, our job was to deliver real-time intelligence to field units and respond to their evolving operational needs. Each analyst handled up to ten suspects simultaneously during the operation.”

The mission ended with the arrest of numerous arms dealers and the seizure of large quantities of illegal weapons.

“It was incredibly rewarding,” Iluz says. “I truly felt the impact of my work on public safety.”

At the time, his placement in such a high-level police unit was unusual — there were no standard positions for Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) in these elite divisions.

“I had many concerns at the start,” Iluz admits. “I was worried about being treated with suspicion due to my background.”
Yet the reality surprised him:
“I was warmly welcomed. My commanders were considerate of my religious and community needs and understood the unique challenges of a married Haredi man with children.”

Even at the end of his service, when he began exploring job opportunities in the private sector, his police commanders supported his career transition, despite preferring he remain in the force.

“They allowed me to attend job interviews during service,” he says.
“Joining the civil service was the best decision I made. My experience with the police, working under pressure and engaging with advanced technology, gave me a real advantage in the job market.”

Simcha Mozeson, Director of Haredi Integration for the Civil Service in Israel’s southern district, shared that about 300 Haredi volunteers are currently serving in the region:

“I view supporting their integration and addressing their needs as a true mission,” he says.
“From the first interview, every candidate is assigned a personal coordinator who helps match them to a suitable role — one that aligns with their values, culture, and personal aspirations. These coordinators stay in close contact with the volunteers throughout their service.”

The Ministry of National Security also emphasized the importance of integrating Haredim into security organizations, calling it a national mission that contributes both to public safety and the individual’s social and professional future.

“This enables volunteers to serve in meaningful security roles and provides them with a smoother pathway into the workforce and broader Israeli society.”

Reuven Pinsky, Director General of the National-Civil Service Authority, summarized:

“Yisrael Iluz is just one inspiring story among hundreds of Haredi civil service volunteers making an impact on the civilian front.
The vision of the civil service is to create a bridge between the Haredi community and national service tracks that offer real contribution to the state — while also equipping participants with professional tools and a path to full integration into all aspects of life in Israel.
And all of this, without compromising their identity or values.”

Originally published on this website >>