9621 Agnes Crossing, Lake Suzanneview, New Mexico Island 84604-9295.
(RFI).- This is an issue that has deeply divided Israelis. for decades, but more than ever at the height of the Gaza war. law What allow extension of
(RFI).- This is an issue that has deeply divided Israelis. for decades, but more than ever at the height of the Gaza war. law What allow extension of military service yeshiva studentsTalmudic institutions are increasingly being discussed, our correspondent in Jerusalem reports., Michael Paul .
In the suburbs of Tel Aviv, a group of bearded young men dressed in black suits, black hats and white shirts, typical style. ultra-orthodoxgathered in front of the military registration and enlistment office, our correspondent in Israel reports, Sami Buchelifa . Chaim is 18 years old and has a tax exemption form in his hands.”signed by my rabbi and the army“, explains the young believer. This is not about joining the army. Its mission is the study of religion:
“I tell you categorically: the army will not be able to recruit a single ultra-Orthodox. And the state cannot force us to do this. I am convinced that Torah study protects Israel. Without Torah study the soldiers could not even exist. We will protect the soldiers with the power of Torah study,” he said.
Photo: EFE | Ultra-Orthodox Jews protest against Israeli army recruitment
A few meters away is Shalom, also a young religious man, but who defines himself as a modern ultra-Orthodox, has a less clear position: “To agree to join the army, we ask for simple things: that the food be kosher (according to our criteria) and that men and women do not mix. If we get it all, we can join the army, I already have many ultra-Orthodox friends who served in the army. and I hope there will be more, but it will take years.”
Far from the barracks, in Jerusalem, researcher Rivka Ben ChaharProfessor at Sapir Academic College, herself of ultra-Orthodox origin, advocates the abolition of benefits:
“The current problem is that the ultra-Orthodox want to protect their community. They are not afraid of dying in war, but they are afraid of dissolving into secular society. Because the army is not a suitable place for religion. But we need soldiers more than ever.”
Initially, Israel’s first head of government, David Ben-Gurion, allowed about 400 ultra-Orthodox men to study Torah and sacred texts instead of serving in the army. Currently there are tens of thousands of people. who enjoys this liberation. Belonging 66,000 ultra-Orthodox of fighting age, only 540 joined the army after October 7 and the Hamas attack.
Photo: Reuters
There is general agreement that change is necessary. The current law, renewed four times, expired at midnight. And in principle, therefore, from April 1 Ultra-Orthodox youth may be forced to do military service.
Israel’s Supreme Court initially ruled to stop funding rabbinical schools and scholarships awarded to their students. A situation that theoretically could overthrow the current Israeli government and provoke new elections. However, an unlikely scenario. In the past, crises of this type were resolved—sometimes in an unstable manner—and often at the last minute.
Source: Aristegui Noticias
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