In an interview with Israel’s Globes Financial, former IDF chief of staff Gabi Ashkenazi explains that from his perspective, the drafting of chareidim is not a security matter but one that has social ramifications in line with the call to ‘share the burden’. Ashkenazi admits the drafting of avreichim is not about needing them to defend the country, but it is about everyone doing his share to protect Israel, the “sharing the burden” concept.
Ashkenazi explains he personally believes every male and female of eligible age should serve in the IDF since this is a top priority and those unable to do so may serve in areas such as Israel Police and the fire department or any other venue deemed acceptable by the state. He pointed out that in recent years; the chareidim has proven their abilities in specialized units in the IDF that have been designed to cater to their lifestyle.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
Since it’s about sharing the burden, the simple solution is to recognise that learning Torah is sharing the burden, and make the yeshivos for 18-21-year-olds part of the military, with bochurim learning in uniform, under military discipline. Coming five minutes late to seder would be like coming five minutes late on duty in the army.