Pursuant to the Cabinet decision of Sunday, 25 Kislev 5773 regarding service for chareidim in the civilian service, following is relevant data:

* In 2008, 15 chareidi men enlisted in civilian service. Today, over 2,000 are serving in civilian service.

* The decision allows for the continued recruitment of chareidi men for civilian service.

* Without the decision, thousands of chareidi men who would be interested in becoming integrated into civilian service in the police, MDA, fire service, social welfare services, etc. would be unable to sign up.

* On 1 August 2012, the Tal Law that allowed them to enlist in civilian service expired. Three months ago, there were 2,026 chareidi men in civilian service. Due to the fact that the law was not extended, the number has declined to 1,450. The cabinet decision will allow the number to return to over 2,000.

* These are people who are interested in contributing but, due to their age, are not needed by the IDF for military service.

* 85% of those who joined civilian service afterwards became integrated into the labor force.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)