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Haredim. Different lifesyle
Photo: Amit Shabi
Photo: Pablo Bichman
Nahal Haredi battalion
Photo: Pablo Bichman

Haredim unfit for army

Op-ed: Haredi lifestyle is different ,incommensurate with atmosphere prevalent in military

For ages, it has been clear to us, the haredim, that we are not really wanted in the army en masse. They certainly don’t want to see us rising to senior positions. Our lifestyle is different and is incommensurate with the IDF atmosphere, slang, and conduct. We’re not really “one of the guys.” This is also the reason why we have no chance of integrating into the army as individuals sent to the various units.

 

Let there be no misunderstandings: In my view and in the view of my friends, anyone who does not study the Torah throughout the day must contribute to society, whether through military service or through national service at hospitals, non-profit groups or any other appropriate framework that benefits the public.

 

Personally, after I completed my studies and started to work, and after I did not join the army (because I was overweight,) I decided to contribute one day a week for the benefit of society. Ever since then, every Tuesday morning I report to the office of Israel Prize laureate Dr. Rabbi Elimelech Firer and accompany him from early morning hours to late in the evening.

 

And so, for more than a decade now, I feel that I contribute to society, while also contributing to myself. Thousands of my friends are doing it at other non-profit organizations without being officially recognized.

 

Motivated by hate

I will never forget the experience of going through my IDF tests as an adolescent. The slang that was used along with the cursing was more than I heard since the day I was born to that day. Indeed, those who boldly stand up and speak out bluntly are right: The haredim aren’t really fit for military service.

 

I have no doubt that fans of cheap populism will speak out now and slam these words, which many good people know are true. Meanwhile, some politicians will continue to utter hateful words, because this hatred motivates their actions and they won’t let the facts confuse them.

 

They shall continue to stick to their theories, just like they will continue to demand that the haredim head out to work, without checking how many are already working and how many want to work but can’t, because they did not serve in the IDF or because their studies are not recognized as an academic degree.

 

Indeed, I will not be surprised to see these politicians slamming those who utter the truth I uttered above. Too many people among our decision-makers are concerned by this truth, and they will aim to subject it to their customary “targeted assassination” campaign.

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 11.09.10, 18:06
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