Values on collision course
Op-ed: Ultra-Orthodox welcome to establish alternate world, but not at our expense
Haredi spokespeople claim that many in their community want to work, but employers tend to reject them, fearing that their attire would deter shoppers and that their demands for special working conditions would become a burden.
But others claim that many jobs are suitable for the ultra-Orthodox lifestyle. I am of the opinion that we should not exert too much effort in categorizing jobs according to the numerous restrictions the haredim have imposed on themselves. If this world does not suit them, they are welcome to establish an alternate world, but not at my expense.
After examining my own work environment, I have reached the conclusion that a haredi would have slim chance of getting a job as an editor or researcher on my television show. He would not be able to associate with young women on our staff, as he is not allowed to look at women, and they would feel uncomfortable in his presence.
He would not be able to dine with us or socialize. Our way of talking would shock him. He would not understand most of the social and political issues we deal with. Because he did not study English, he would not be able to converse with foreigners or summarize what is reported in the foreign press.
Before you chastise me, I'll admit that these are generalizations. Among the haredim there are those who are well-educated and are willing to suspend their fear of working with people who are different than they are, but we cannot discuss social phenomena without discussing trends.
The haredi's mindset is different than that of advanced organizations. He is in a constant state of incitement and always goes against the grain.
Our society is criticized for being unwelcoming to foreigners, but in my opinion this claim refers to those who want to integrate into society but are ejected. It does not address those who despise our society and accentuate their distinction.
The ultra-Orthodox go to great lengths to display their traditionalism and their obedience to the worldview of their community's elders. So is it justified to accuse others of being prejudiced? Is there anything wrong with activating the natural mechanism of passing quick judgment and assuming that whoever is dressed in haredi attire and acts like a haredi is in fact haredi and that his beliefs are drawn from the ultra-Orthodox school of thought?
And if this is the case, must I tolerate people whose values and lifestyle disgust me? Must I ignore the fact that the haredi supports the exclusion of women from the public sphere and is convinced that women are ineligible witnesses and cannot be leaders? Must I ignore the fact that he believes that on Shabbat it is forbidden to save the life of a gentile and is convinced that Zionism is a sin? And that the Holocaust occurred because of our sins and that homosexuals are despicable creatures?
In my eyes, anyone whose lifestyle is based in such beliefs is no different from a criminal who defends his conduct by explaining that it is the result of the values of the tough neighborhood he grew up in. As long as he doesn't openly disagree with the values of his community, I will tell him: Live as you see fit, uphold your values, but don't ask me to go out of my way to help you.
