Four hundred becoming 100,000 is not just financially untenable. The cost to the army, to families outside the Charedi community, and the economy is staggering.
Yes, let the “geniuses” learn, the 400.
Let them compete for that title, WITHOUT REGARD TO FAMILY NAME OR CONNECTIONS. Let them fill that role after their basic training.
Take the other 99,600 men and their brains out of the Beit Midrash, and let them serve their country, not just in the army, but by taking their intellectual skills, honing them with real education, and applying them to Israel’s and the world’s problems.
Let them apply themselves to solving the energy crisis, water shortages, issues of climatic change, medical and health problems, etc. After they serve, like everyone else.
If they want to learn, allow them to do what their fellow Jews in rest of the world (and the Rabbis of the Mishima and Gemara) have always done; work to support themselves and their families and set a fixed time for study. Again, after they have served in the army.
If they are really “committed to learning,” the solution is there. Chesder Yeshivot.
I believe that a Jewish democracy should be reluctant to imprison sincere religious conscientious objectors. While every citizen has a duty to contribute to the defence and well-being of the state, I would prefer those who genuinely believe military service violates their religious conscience to fulfil that duty through compulsory national service in other essential roles, such as healthcare, ambulance services, emergency response, caring for the elderly and disabled, or other forms of public service that make a meaningful contribution to the nation.
But they conscientiously object to serving in ANY national service role.
Their objection is not to taking up arms.
In fact, haredi media is more enthusiastic about the use of military force than any other media is, including right-wing channels aligned with Netanyahu. They just want someone else to be doing the fighting and dying.
Four hundred becoming 100,000 is not just financially untenable. The cost to the army, to families outside the Charedi community, and the economy is staggering.
Yes, let the “geniuses” learn, the 400.
Let them compete for that title, WITHOUT REGARD TO FAMILY NAME OR CONNECTIONS. Let them fill that role after their basic training.
Take the other 99,600 men and their brains out of the Beit Midrash, and let them serve their country, not just in the army, but by taking their intellectual skills, honing them with real education, and applying them to Israel’s and the world’s problems.
Let them apply themselves to solving the energy crisis, water shortages, issues of climatic change, medical and health problems, etc. After they serve, like everyone else.
If they want to learn, allow them to do what their fellow Jews in rest of the world (and the Rabbis of the Mishima and Gemara) have always done; work to support themselves and their families and set a fixed time for study. Again, after they have served in the army.
If they are really “committed to learning,” the solution is there. Chesder Yeshivot.
Excellent. Should be mandatory reading for ALL. Keep up your important posts and work
I believe that a Jewish democracy should be reluctant to imprison sincere religious conscientious objectors. While every citizen has a duty to contribute to the defence and well-being of the state, I would prefer those who genuinely believe military service violates their religious conscience to fulfil that duty through compulsory national service in other essential roles, such as healthcare, ambulance services, emergency response, caring for the elderly and disabled, or other forms of public service that make a meaningful contribution to the nation.
But they conscientiously object to serving in ANY national service role.
Their objection is not to taking up arms.
In fact, haredi media is more enthusiastic about the use of military force than any other media is, including right-wing channels aligned with Netanyahu. They just want someone else to be doing the fighting and dying.