The IDF's Disability Inclusion Program
Staff Sgt. Zohar Siluk was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at a young age. Despite his disabilities, he assured himself that it would not prevent him from achieving any goal that he set for himself. One of his goals was to draft to the IDF. The “Special In Uniform '' program helped him accomplish this goal, and receive the President's Award for Outstanding Soldier.
03.11.20
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At the Julis base in southern Israel, Staff Sgt. Zohar Siluk is hard to miss, He wears his uniform with pride, along with a kippah decorated with the words "Israel Defense Forces" in Hebrew. Zohar walks around base, greeting other soldiers who treat him like family, telling everyone how grateful he is to serve in the IDF despite his limitations. "I have Down Syndrome, but that didn't stop me from dreaming of enlisting in the IDF from a young age,” Zohar explains, “I knew it was something I was going to do. I feel proud to be a soldier in the Israel Defense Forces."
Since 2006, the IDF, in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Welfare and the AKIM Organization, has run the “Special In Uniform” program—a unique project for people with disabilities who want to join the IDF and serve the State of Israel. This program gives people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to strengthen their self-confidence, enlist in the army, and contribute to Israel in a real and meaningful way.
Zohar serves in the 638th Battalion of the Technological and Logistics Directorate, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Liron Malka: "Zohar is an outstanding soldier and he acts out of a true sense of mission. He's an excellent example for his strong values and his love for his country, and the work that he does is invaluable to us all.”
For his strong work ethic and his values, Zohar was chosen to receive the President's Award for Outstanding Soldier. Zohar reflects:
"I was very happy when I was informed that I’d been chosen, most of all I was happy that it made my family happy. I am happy to contribute significantly to the State of Israel. My message is that anyone can do what they set their mind to.”
The “Special In Uniform” program is an important and special opportunity for people with disabilities to serve together with other soldiers for the first time. As Zohar says, "I love being a part of the IDF. This is the best place for me to be."
