Why Israel’s Most Pious Jews Refuse Military Service
The Ultra-Orthodox and the IDF
The ultra-Orthodox community in Israel is a small but growing minority, making up about 10% of the population. These Jews are known for their strict adherence to religious law, which includes a prohibition against serving in the military.
This prohibition is based on the belief that the Torah, the Jewish holy book, forbids Jews from serving in foreign armies. The ultra-Orthodox also believe that serving in the military would interfere with their religious studies and way of life.
The IDF's Response
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has a long history of trying to accommodate the ultra-Orthodox community. In 1949, the IDF created a special unit for ultra-Orthodox soldiers, known as the Nahal Haredi. This unit allows soldiers to serve in the military while still maintaining their religious practices.
However, the vast majority of ultra-Orthodox Jews still refuse to serve in the military. In 2017, only about 1,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews served in the IDF, out of a total population of over 1 million.
The Debate over Conscription
The issue of ultra-Orthodox military service is a controversial one in Israel. Some Israelis believe that all citizens should be required to serve in the military, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Others argue that the ultra-Orthodox should be exempt from military service because of their religious beliefs. They point out that the ultra-Orthodox community already makes a significant contribution to Israeli society through their volunteer work and religious scholarship.
The Future of Ultra-Orthodox Military Service
The debate over ultra-Orthodox military service is likely to continue for many years to come. However, it is clear that the IDF is committed to finding a way to accommodate the ultra-Orthodox community while still ensuring the security of the state.
Conclusion
The issue of ultra-Orthodox military service in Israel is a complex one with no easy answers. However, it is a testament to the strength of Israeli democracy that this issue can be debated openly and respectfully.
As Israel continues to evolve, it will be up to the country's leaders to find a way to balance the needs of the ultra-Orthodox community with the security needs of the state.
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