Charedim Take Action Against Terrorists

In the way that really counts.

Without getting into the pros and cons of the hostage/prisoner swap, the fact is that hundreds of terrorists are being released. While some are being released into Gaza, others are being released into the West Bank, and some into East Jerusalem. Naturally, this presents an increased security risk. The IDF has increased its forces in the West Bank, but there has not been a concurrent increase of defensive forces in Jerusalem.

The charedi community, many of whom live in Jerusalem, are very concerned about this, and their leadership is taking action accordingly. Consistent with their position that Torah and prayer and mitzvot provide the actual protection, the leadership has met to urgently discuss how to increase the quality and quantity of Torah, and which other areas of spiritual growth are required, whether in mitzvot between man and God or in interpersonal relationships.

Just kidding! They didn’t do anything of the sort. Instead, MK Meir Porush of United Torah Judaism, delegate of the charedi Gedolim, sent a letter to Netanyahu demanding immediate reinforcement of Jerusalem police forces, allocation of additional resources to the Shin Bet, and expansion of the city policing system.

As I’ve pointed out on several occasions, their claims about the protective importance of Torah being a crucial substitute for physical defense are a fraud, designed for PR and to assuage their own consciences. Ultimately they are well aware that there’s no replacement for physical defense, and they simply want to pass its burden on to others rather than have to make such sacrifices for the nation themselves.

A list of posts on the topic of IDF service is at Torah and Army: The Big Index