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Special in Uniform/TPS-IL on 5 February, 2026
Israel’s Military Launches New Unit for Soldiers With Disabilities
Jerusalem, 5 February, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- The Israel Defense Forces marked a milestone in inclusion with the inauguration of the Douglas Unit, a new initiative dedicated to soldiers with disabilities and special needs.
Wednesday’s ceremony at Moshav Zitan also became a deeply personal moment for one family as Maayan Mangadi received her IDF uniform. Mangadi, 17, is autistic and nearly mute. Presenting the uniform to Mangadi was her brother, Staff Sgt. Nir Mangadi of the military police’s elite Matpa Unit. Nir had transferred to Matpa to honor the memory of his brother, Sgt. 1st Class Dor Mangadi, who was killed during the battle of Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, 2023.
“To see my little sister receive her uniform after the trauma our family has endured is beyond words,” Nir Mangadi said. “It gives us and all of Israel the strength to keep going. Maayan returns from the army glowing with happiness, and that is our greatest pride.”
Ten new soldiers took the IDF’s oath of allegiance, and ten soldiers with cerebral palsy from the Tsad Kadima school in Jerusalem received certificates of merit. Music was provided by soldiers from the Special in Uniform band.
Special in Uniform is a collaborative initiative of the Israel Defense Forces and Jewish National Fund-USA that focuses on integrating young people with physical and mental disabilities into the military and Israeli society. Around 1,200 Special in Uniform soldiers from across Israel are serving in 90 bases in all branches of the IDF. Tasks can include helping in military logistics, gathering and entering data on computers, or other office work.
The unit — named in honor of Douglas (Doug) Book, the son of American philanthropist Robert H. Book — seeks to recognize the courage, commitment, and determination of all soldiers who face physical or cognitive challenges while serving Israel. The Book family donated NIS 800,000 ($257,000) to adopt 80 soldiers through the program.
“My son, Doug, has muscular dystrophy, and he never let it define him,” Robert Book said. “In every one of these amazing soldiers and their families, I see the heart and soul of Israel. I am honored that Doug’s name is now synonymous with this great organization.”
Doug, who was named honorary commander, addressed the soldiers in a video message.
The event was organized by the Jewish National Fund-USA and Yad Layeled Hameyuched, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and helping them integrate into Israeli society. The event drew leading business figures, including Harel Wizel, CEO of Fox Group.
“I have done many projects in my life, but this is the most moving,” Wizel said.
