I agree with what you wrote, think that there is no Torah basis or moral basis to exempt haredim, and do not consider Whataboutism a moral defense.
However, I wonder if citing Tel Aviv's overall draft rate is a valid response to the first objection.
That statistic lumps all economic classes together.
Isn't the issue that WEALTHY secularists, especially those in Tel Aviv's wealthiest suburbs not potentially headed to high-tech units, have a very low rate of draft participation, evading it through bogus psychiatric evaluations?
What's the data for the "exclusive" conclaves?
(Again, I don't think their low participation (Whataboutism) justifies haredi non-participation, but the rate of draft non-participation and psychiatric draft exemption per capita of those neighborhoods and towns would be a more relevant response.)
The table that Rabbi Slifkin included shows that draft percentages to *combat* service are highest mainly in cities that rank high on socioeconomic scales. These include cities such as Modiin, Raanana, Hod Hasharon and others. Tel Aviv ranks somewhere in the middle. (Until recently, I also believed that combat soldiers were from development towns and what is known as the "periphery" [plus of course Datiim from all over], but it's just not true).
Also, what has changed is that in the past, the intelligence and technology units had first grabs on any incoming soldier, even if they were fit for combat service. As I understand it, this is no longer true, and anyone who is fit for combat is placed there because of the shortage of combat soldiers.
And if you are curious who is taking their place in intelligence, look no farther than religious girls (though not exclusively, of course), many of whom are Midrasha graduates.
Fact number 12.
Many chareidim claim all the above but it comes down to that they are shameless cowards and prefer to avoid combat.
No more than anyone else. I don't see that as being a reason.
They act upon it using misdirection by claiming a religious exemption.
👏 👏 👏
I agree with what you wrote, think that there is no Torah basis or moral basis to exempt haredim, and do not consider Whataboutism a moral defense.
However, I wonder if citing Tel Aviv's overall draft rate is a valid response to the first objection.
That statistic lumps all economic classes together.
Isn't the issue that WEALTHY secularists, especially those in Tel Aviv's wealthiest suburbs not potentially headed to high-tech units, have a very low rate of draft participation, evading it through bogus psychiatric evaluations?
What's the data for the "exclusive" conclaves?
(Again, I don't think their low participation (Whataboutism) justifies haredi non-participation, but the rate of draft non-participation and psychiatric draft exemption per capita of those neighborhoods and towns would be a more relevant response.)
The table that Rabbi Slifkin included shows that draft percentages to *combat* service are highest mainly in cities that rank high on socioeconomic scales. These include cities such as Modiin, Raanana, Hod Hasharon and others. Tel Aviv ranks somewhere in the middle. (Until recently, I also believed that combat soldiers were from development towns and what is known as the "periphery" [plus of course Datiim from all over], but it's just not true).
Also, what has changed is that in the past, the intelligence and technology units had first grabs on any incoming soldier, even if they were fit for combat service. As I understand it, this is no longer true, and anyone who is fit for combat is placed there because of the shortage of combat soldiers.
And if you are curious who is taking their place in intelligence, look no farther than religious girls (though not exclusively, of course), many of whom are Midrasha graduates.