Haredi Draft

The debate over drafting the Haredim, or ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Israel, has been a contentious issue in the country for several decades. At its core, the debate revolves around the question of whether or not Haredi men should be subject to compulsory military service like the rest of the Israeli population. This issue stems from a historical exemption granted to the Haredi community, dating back to the founding of the state of Israel in 1948. The exemption was intended to encourage Haredi religious study, which is a central pillar of their way of life. However, over the years, this has sparked significant debate, with proponents arguing that it is necessary for a more equitable distribution of the burden of military service in Israel, while opponents claim that mandatory military service would undermine Haredi religious traditions and values.

This debate is complex and multifaceted, touching on issues of religion, state, and citizenship. It reflects the broader tension in Israeli society between maintaining a Jewish state and ensuring equal rights and responsibilities for all its citizens. As Israel continues to grapple with this issue, finding a balance that respects religious traditions while addressing concerns about national security and civic duty remains a significant challenge.

Our engineer Ben (!) hosts this debate between Matt who argues that Israel should not draft Haredim , and Mike who argues that they should be drafted.. 

Let us know what you think about the issue, and who you agree with. Enjoy! Please let us know what you think! 

This episode was recorded and edited by the amazing Ben Wallick Studios. Ben is awesome!

Theme music by Akiva Y. Unterberg.

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