The government has to encourage a fast and vast shift within haredi society, showing that military service and keeping the faith are not contradictions.
Many of the yeshiva students have also volunteered to help in the rebuilding efforts and care for residents who were unable to evacuate.
The Magazine spoke to Israeli men and women who have served in the army and/or have children in uniform. Here’s what they had to say about the haredi draft debacle.
"We need a draft so that haredim don’t drift off and evolve into a separate people not just distinct from, but separated from, the rest of Jewry. We need each other too much for that to happen."
He previously served as the head of the Lithuanian 'Ponevezh Yeshiva' for 46 years, and has been influential in draft dodging among yeshiva students.
Most yeshiva students who went home during the early stages of the war returned in December and January to help support Israel and continue their learning.
"What do we have without our Torah? Why did we come here—to become secular? If a draft notice arrives, tear it up. Do you have a toilet at home? Flush it down,” Yosef said.
Let's honor every IDF soldier, regardless of community or gender, for the holy work they continue to do every day on behalf of Israel, the Jewish people, and the entire free world.
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