Today in class, and many times over the past three months, we have debated amongst ourselves whether or not Heredi Jews should have to join the IDF. Our class was somewhat divided, and the discussion got pretty heated, which is just an example of how controversial tis issue is in Israel. At the age of 18, all Israeli citizens are recruited to join the IDF. However, the ultra-orthodox Jews don't serve in the army, because "they are fulfilling their service to the country by studying Talmud."
If a Heredi man wants to sit in a Yeshiva all day and study Torah and Talmud, I have no problem with that. However, in no way does that protect the citizens of Israel. Most Israelis put their lives on hold to serve in the IDF. They risk their lives to defend their country, and I think it is completely unfair that the Ultra-Orthodox are living off of the country's benefits, when they are doing nothing on behalf of Israel. Why should they be given the same benefits of someone who is putting putting their life and education on hold, not to mention risking their life each and every day to protect their country?
Obviously this issue is one that is very controversial and has been since the creation of the state of Israel. Despite its controversy, I don't think that the two sides will ever be able to come to a conclusion unless they compromise. I'm not saying that the Ultra-Orthodox need to be fighting in the front lines of a combat unit, but there are so many other things that they could be doing in the IDF, or other places to help serve their community in a way that counts. We fought incredibly hard to have our own Jewish state, and we won't be able to preserve it unless everybody works together in order to do so.
I don't think this issue regarding the Ultra-Orthodox joining the IDF will be handled any time soon. I simply do not understand why the rest of the majority of Israelis are willing to fight for their country, but the Ultra-Orthodox get to simply decide they don't want to. The government pays for all of their funding and doesn't even force them to contribute to society, the least they could do in return is fight for their country. I understand that they believe their work in the Yeshuv is also important, but I believe they can sacrifice 2 years of their studying to support and fight for their country, just like every other Israeli.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. I think that the fact that families have to send their children, brothers, and husbands to the army while the Ultra-Orthodox just sit and "study" is completely ridiculous. Israeli kids risk their lives every day to protect their country. As much as I hate war and violence, the draft in Israel isn't going away, and serving in the army is a part of being an Israeli citizen. The ultra-orthodox, however, aren't required to serve, and they receive more benefits and funding from the government than the rest of the country who do serve. That does not seem fair in the slightest. I think something has to be done about this. I don't know what or how, but I agree that some form of compromise seems like the only realistic option. It won't happen overnight, but we do need to change this system. Because at it stands now, it's wildly unfair.
ReplyDeleteIn class while leading the debate I shared my opinion, which was wrong. Not sharing, but what I said. I think it is wrong to force our ways upon them by making them stop studying to fight, however it is a duty of most Israeli citizens. Some orthodox do serve which is great, but they do need to fight. The solution to this problem is unclear as to whether or not they should be thrown in jail for skipping the draft, but the Haredi absolutely need to serve.
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