Several prestigious Haredi learning institutions have been in uproar over news that some of their students were considering joining the IDF, despite religious leaders ' orders to ignore or refuse any draft notice.
Although only a small number of Haredi students were known to consider joining the military, most, in specialized programs in military intelligence that would not require them to wear a uniform, the deviation from the traditional refusal of service is seen as a threat.
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Haredi protesters hold signs saying jail is preferable that draft
(Photo: Shaul Golan)
Rabbi Wolfson, who is head of the Wolfson Yeshiva in Jerusalem, addressed his students and blamed the parents for what he called the "downfall" and went as far as accusing them of stupidity.
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In some cases, in their overreaching intelligence, they enabled their sons to be exposed to the internet at a young age. That is where the downfall occurred and not out of a lack of faith," he said, adding that the IDF cannot offer the students a way to serve while preserving their Haredi way of life.
Extreme ultra-Orthodox demonstrators said they would take to the streets in several cities later on Wednesday to protest the arrest of three Haredi men who were considered deserters after they failed to enlist.