The issue of haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) in Israel not serving in the IDF has been a contentious topic for decades.
In the current status quo established in the early days of the State of Israel, haredi yeshiva students have an exemption from serving in the IDF or partaking in Sherut Leumi (national service). However, this has caused many others in Israel to feel there is an unfair distribution of the burden of serving the country. Coupled with the low employment rates for haredim in Israel, and this has led to widespread tension against ultra-Orthodox Israelis.
The courts have ruled that the current exemption for haredim not to serve in the army is illegal and efforts to resolve the issue are still ongoing.
Gil Limon told attendees at Reichman University that the government failed to pass a draft law amidst the IDF manpower crisis.
Thousands march in Jerusalem for equal military service burden, demanding government action for widespread recruitment. "We bear the burden, but we demand immediate change," protesters say.
The former principal warned that failure to lessen the burden will lead to the IDF's reservist system collapse.
From the ground up, quietly and courageously, individuals and families are making choices that do not reject tradition but embody it differently.
Police said that the protest erupted into violence, as the demonstrators blocked Jerusalem's Shmuel Hanavi street.
"The gates of hell might have opened on the Gazans, but for sure they have opened on the 59 hostages, and there is no savior."
How in the world can self-identifying Zionist Knesset members in the coalition participate in this injustice?
The Knesset will debate the state budget overnight as haredi draft demands add tension; final votes are set for Tuesday after months of political maneuvering.
By Sunday evening, an understanding was reached: the ultra-Orthodox factions would not issue an ultimatum over the draft law at this time.
"According to the data presented by the military, in the absence of effective enforcement measures, the enlistment rate among this group is negligible,” Limon wrote
JPOST Digital Library
