The members of the Ofek class at Alliance High School in Haifa have faced significant personal challenges. This special class, created for students coping with mental health issues, provides a nurturing environment for young people who need a supportive space. But because of the war in Gaza and Lebanon, and the growing need for national contribution, some of these students have chosen to don military uniforms and volunteer for one of the most elite units in the IDF, Shayetet 13.
Avia Makhlouf, an 18-year-old student in the Ofek program, has shown immense resilience in the face of hardship. "Due to a personal trauma I experienced as a child, I have struggled with PTSD, anxiety, and depression," Avia shares. "I was advised against enlisting, but contributing to my country was too important for me to pass up."
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Ofek student receives her IDF uniform in order to perform voluntary service
(Photo: IDF Spokesperson's unit)
The events of October 7 only strengthened her resolve. "After what happened, I realized how crucial it is to volunteer and support our nation."
Hila Dubin Blat speaks about her son, Or – an intelligent, cheerful, and exceptionally sensitive young man with a strong technical inclination and a love for computers and 3D printing.
"Or deals with complex learning disabilities, including retrieval and rapid processing difficulties, which led to a recommendation for exemption from military service," according to Hila. "But Or wanted to be like everyone else, to participate and contribute, so he chose to volunteer for the IDF."
Or acknowledges his limitations but is also driven by his aspiration to belong and make a meaningful impact. "I’m proud to serve alongside the Shayetet warriors and contribute to the state," he says with pride.
The Special in Uniform program is a unique social initiative that integrates youth with special needs into the IDF, which gives them the chance to contribute to national security.
The program, a collaboration with the Jewish National Fund USA, aims to instill a sense of belonging, pride and independence in the young people.
"I am proud to see these young people actively participating in the program, reaching significant positions in units such as Shayetet 13, and proving that the will to contribute surpasses personal challenges," said Lt.-Col. Tiran Attia, a leader of Special in Uniform. He attributed the success in part to the program's collaboration with Jewish National Fund USA, "whose support has been invaluable in making this program thrive.," he added.
Captain K., head of logistics for Shayetet 13, says that "after significant efforts, we are now initiating cooperation between Shayetet 13 and the Special in Uniform program. This collaboration holds a dual purpose: to integrate students into the military system and hopefully provide them with tools to fully enlist in the future."
"For us as a unit, it is an honor to be the gateway for societal inclusion. The volunteers will serve at various logistics points alongside other soldiers, supporting the unit’s active-duty and reservist personnel. I wish to thank everyone who contributed to this process – first and foremost, the program, its chairman Lt.-Col. Tiran Attia for the genuine partnership, the Shayetet team for their dedication, and Alliance High School for choosing us."
Among the key supporters of Ofek students volunteering in Special in Uniform and Shayetet 13 is the TechJet Aerofoils Group. A leader in aviation technology and innovation, the group has adopted the young soldiers, providing them with both financial and moral support. This includes team-building activities, personal mentoring and other initiatives aimed at strengthening the soldiers’ sense of belonging and enriching their service experience.
Shayetet 13, the IDF's naval commando unit, is regarded as one of the military's most elite operational forces. Known for its special operations, counter-smuggling missions, and intelligence-gathering, the unit requires fighters with exceptional physical and mental capabilities
Brig. Gen. (Res.) Ram Shmueli, principal of Alliance High School, expressed his pride in the students. "Ofek class students from Alliance are donning uniforms and joining the most operational unit in the IDF. I have great pride in our students, who, with the devoted staff, are taking on the mission of defending the state. I believe in you and trust that you will represent Alliance at its best," he also said.
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