Title: Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel Reconsider Military Service Amid Growing Solidarity
In a neighborhood of Jerusalem, ultra-Orthodox Jewish residents cheered a soldier returning from military service, signaling a shift in attitudes towards military involvement within the Haredi community. The recent Hamas-led attack on Israel has prompted greater solidarity between sections of Israel’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish minority and the secular mainstream, as fears of a shared threat have accelerated integration efforts.
The longstanding debate over military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community has been reignited as Israel’s war in Gaza continues. While most Haredim hope to retain their exemption from conscription to focus on religious study, polling data and military statistics show an increase in support for or interest in military service among some members of the community.
The growing population of ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel, currently comprising roughly 13 percent of the population, has led to resentment from secular Israelis who feel that their military service and taxes support an underemployed community that gives little in return. Efforts to draw the ultra-Orthodox into the army and workforce have sparked tensions, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant advocating for increased Haredi involvement in the military.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of progress towards greater integration. Polling data shows a rise in support for conscription among the Haredi public, with many expressing a heightened sense of shared destiny with other Israelis since the recent attacks. Some Haredi individuals have even volunteered to assist families of reservists and evacuated Israelis, bridging social divides within their communities.
While resistance to military service remains strong in some sectors of Haredi society, there are indications of a shift in mindset among certain leaders. Government Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf, for example, has expressed willingness to allow Haredim who are not suited for Torah study to join the army. This evolving perspective reflects a broader trend towards greater openness to military service within the ultra-Orthodox community.
As Israel grapples with the aftermath of the recent attacks and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the debate over Haredi military exemptions continues to evolve. The changing attitudes within the ultra-Orthodox community suggest a potential shift towards greater integration and shared responsibility in the nation’s defense.
