Draft Dodger Wet Rag

As if it was not enough that the enemy that holds our people hostage tears at the fabric and fibre of the nation as they sow conflict within us regarding how best to retrieve those brutally taken from us. The refusal of the Haredi community to serve in the IDF is no less divisive. And if it does not feel that way right now, it eventually will. This issue is not just about the economy or the budget, It is existential. It is what we are about as a people. 

      I say this because the argument the Haredim put forth is not only not true, it is also not the real argument. 

    They say that they fear that their youth will be pulled away from the life of Torah and mitzvot if forced to serve. There are plenty of young Jewish men in the IDF who value Torah learning no less than the Haredim.  They continue to learn and function as Jews, both during and after their service. 

     It is also true that the Haredim that do choose to serve are often ostracized by their community, and pushed away by their families. It seems to me that if the concern was about losing them, would it not make more sense to maintain a strong, positive connection with them, rather than to distance them?

    Given the demand for more soldiers, it is likely that the IDF would try to accommodate the requirements of the Haredim when possible. Their concerns about kashrut or setting aside a period of the day to sit and learn, are not insurmountable. Is it optimal? No. I love to learn Torah – I do it every day. I, like many, have a particular time of the day when I sit and learn. The IDF could make that part of the day in the life of a Haredi soldier. 

    The honest reason for refusing to serve is really because it would be a validation of the state. It means that the Haredi perspective on the creation and expression of national identity is incorrect. The timing and major actors involved in the Zionist dream call into question the validity – and acceptance – of Jewish independence at this time. To concede that would be revolutionary. 

     The rub lies in the fact that while not willing to accept or take responsibility for the state, they demand that the state provide privilege. The State provides that privilege at the expense of those who do accept and take responsibility for the state. But it is not just about the budget. If it were, it would be easy for me to get snide and cynical about their refusal.  The issue for the Haredim is, in essence, about doctrine. What does it say about us when one of our own, who lives here, and recognizes the significance and the sanctity of the land, is unwilling to take up arms to defend it?

      We are still in the process of becoming the People of Israel. The country is in a tough situation. It is very disconcerting that defence of our land and our people would be a question for anyone.