This is a thorne for Israel, and I’m not sure I know what the answer is.
On the one hand, I can understand the moral resentment by the serving soldiers (and their families), especially those that have lost their loved ones in the war. The IDF is the backbone of Israel’s continuing survival. And while Israel should respect religious identity, so it should respect defending the land that guarantees the study of the Torah. Zionism preserves Judaism.
On the other hand, I see young men that simply want to live a humble life studying the Talmud. Additionally, the Haredi community seem to live in a bubble, from what I can see in London. That’s how they developed in Eastern Europe centuries ago. The IDF is a secular institution, and the Haredi are the complete opposite. I don’t think they can cope. It’s not cowardice or disloyalty to Israel as much as their belief in their lifestyle.
It’s also not just Torah study per se. I understand that it’s the Torah lifestyle they wish to preserve which guarantees Jewish survival. Otherwise, generations down the line, Jewish continuity may be impaired by secularism.
What do you all think?
Having once been religious, I understand how important it is to people, but I wish we could get over our superstitions.
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