The tension between the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the ultra-Orthodox community, also known as Haredim, is rising at an alarming pace. A primary conflict point revolves around the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men into mandatory military service. This longstanding issue has caused a cultural rift within Israel – on one side, those advocating for universal conscription, and on the other, the ultra-Orthodox, ardently vowing not to serve – an issue that has now culminated into a significant sociopolitical challenge for the Israeli government.
The bulk of the bitter standoff stems from the fact that historically, ultra-Orthodox men were permitted to forego military service to devote themselves to religious studies, based on an exemption granted by Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion. However, with the passing of a law in 2020 requiring ultra-Orthodox men to serve in the military, much like their secular counterparts, unrest among the Haredim community has become a common sight in various areas of Israel.
One of the significant reasons the Haredim community vociferously voices its opposition to military service is the belief that their faith demands a life devoted to studying the Torah and performing religious duties. They view secular education as a threat to their religious identity, fearing it might lead to a dilution of their faith and traditions. Furthermore, integrating into a secular environment like the IDF might introduce influences that they believe contradict their rigid religious norms.
Moreover, many ultra-Orthodox Jews argue that they are not shirking their national duties but rather serving the nation in a different capacity, through prayer and study. They perceive their commitment to religious practices as a form of spiritual guard for Israel – every page of the Torah students learn and every prayer they offer is a spiritual defense for the Israeli state.
On the other side of this chasm, the broader Israeli society feels differently. When they see one community refrain from what they view as a national duty, it creates a sense of unequal burden, leading to resentment and social tension. They argue that the ultra-Orthodox community also benefits from the security provided by the IDF and hence should contribute equally. Also, many believe this to be an issue of social cohesion, suggesting that broadening the Haredim’s role in the public arena, including participation in the military, could foster unity and shared responsibility among all Israelis.
While the government’s stance on this issue has been changing, it still lacks decisive action due to the unique intricacies involved. The delicate political landscape, shaped in part by the survival needs of governing coalitions, often enables the ultra-Orthodox political parties to retain a certain degree of influence. Particularly in matters regarding education, religion, and the military, which directly concern their community.
There is no denying that the situation is complex and brims with high emotions on both sides – rights, duty, faith, tradition, and national security tied into one big knot. However, for any resolution to be found, a measured, respectful conversation regarding the concerns of the ultra-Orthodox community will be indispensable. This discussion would need to focus on finding a common ground that respects the values of the Haredim, while still underscoring the importance of shared societal responsibility and unity within the diverse nation of Israel.
