Israeli soldier with Downs syndrome swapping army uniform for chefs hat

Her dream was simple yet profound to serve in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). On September 5, 2020, that dream came to fruition, and three years later to the day in 2023, Ortals journey in the military reached an honourable conclusion.

She bid farewell to her uniform and is now setting her sights on a chefs hat.

Ortals life has been marked by incredible tenacity from the very beginning. Born with a serious heart defect that threatened her existence, she defied the odds and persevered. Her parents, Elitzur and Aviva Butvia were staunch advocates for her inclusion in mainstream education.

From preschool through high school, Ortal was determined to learn alongside her peers. However, when her classmates eagerly awaited their military call-up orders, Ortal received an automatic exemption from service due to her condition.

I wanted to serve in the IDF for as long as I can remember, Ortal recalled. It was my dream. My parents initially considered National Service for me, but I insisted on being a soldier in the army. National Service is a programme for religious girls to do one or two years of volunteer work after high school in lieu of military service.

But Ortal kept her focus on the army.

I knew thats where I could give my utmost to my country and my people, she said.

Ortals fight for a place in the IDF took a fortunate turn when she appealed to Special in Uniform, a collaborative initiative of the IDF and Jewish National Fund-USA. This program focuses on integrating young people with physical and mental disabilities into the IDF and Israeli society.

Over a rigorous three-year program, participants learn vocational and social skills, preparing them for the workforce. Ortals service began with one year of specialized training, followed by two years of regular service in the kitchen of the Julis army base in southern Israel. Preparing food for members of the IDFs Yahalom unit which specializes in combat engineering missions Ortal was in her element.

I love cooking and baking, it doesnt matter what, Ortal exclaimed. I love to cook pastas and shawarma. I love to bake challah, cake, and cookies. Everything!

Reflecting on Ortals journey, her mother Aviva said, Over the years, she faced so many challenges and bravely confronted them all. These past years in the army empowered her and offered her myriad opportunities to grow and spread her wings. Shes gained so much independence, and responsibility, and her self-confidence has soared.

Colonel (res.) Tiran Attia, the director of Special in Uniform, stressed the positive impact of soldiers with special needs on military bases.

Not only does their presence enhance their own quality of life, but it also benefits the entire army and the Jewish people as a whole, Attia said. Their optimistic attitude, strong work ethic, and unwavering perseverance create a positive atmosphere that motivates soldiers both with and without disabilities.

Close to 1,000 Special In Uniform soldiers from communities across Israel are serving in 45 bases in all branches of the IDF. The program includes Bedouins, Druze and Arabs.

The Jewish New Year also marks a new chapter in Ortals life.

My next dream is to work in a kitchen, which is what I love doing most. I want to get married and build a home of my own. Were starting a new year now, and I want to send my best wishes to all of [the Jewish nation] for a happy, sweet year filled with success, a sweet, sweet year in which well all realize our dreams!

While the Butvia family lives in Kiryat Arba, near Hebron, Ortal will continue to live in a Kiryat Malachi home in southern Israel with other people with Downs syndrome.

JNF-USA Executive Director Celine Leeds said, Were so proud of Ortal. Were confident that shell succeed and continue achieving her goals, and we wish her and all of SIUs soldiers the best of luck. (ANI/TPS)