(VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)
For too many chareidim entering IDF service, going home to their communities is problematic and they are targeted with shouts of ‘Chardak’ and at times, physically attacked for their decision to serve.
According to Rav Chanoch Rugozinsky of the Shachar organization, while the numbers of soldiers serving continue to climb, for many, such a decision carries much self-sacrifice with it. The rav explains the situation regarding attacks against soldiers must be kept in proportion. At the end of the day, he feels, the focus must be placed on meeting the needs of these soldiers while serving, as well as when they are off base, at home.
In the video below, one sees a TV host, a military correspondent, who adds that over the years, in conversations with commanders, they are full of praise regarding the level of performance of chareidi units, which at times exceed the performance of regular units.
The Rabbi adds there is also an increase in the number of chareidi soldiers entering command and officers’ courses.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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10 Responses
at times, physically attacked for their decision to serve. I don’t know if this is more horrendous, or those NK fellows in Cairo, but 1 thing I know for sure:- These 2 sagas are Abominable & Despicable.
shame that they face harassment when they return home, I have seen returning soldiers switch clothing before coming home to prevent such happenings and it is a shame.
I tell these men that I am proud of them for defending us, but still it does not change their ‘home’ reception.
I gave a chareidi soldier a ride last year. He lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh Bet so I asked him how he survives abuse from the crazies. He just shrugged. Meanwhile, I took him right to his door and he ran like the wind into the building. Garlic, my friend’s son took off his army shirt & ducked down in the back seat (he was wearing “Bets” – green t-shirt under his tzitzit) while we went into a supermarket there.
And many chareidim who serve in the army do not face any negative reaction at home and I suspect those are a large majority. As we say here in Israel…?בשביל מה זה טוב … What positive purpose does this (article) serve? Or, is this (article) really helpful?
when living in the USA I viewed the army as a righteous jewish army protecting us from arab enemies. now i live in israel i realise it is there partially for defense but is also a political tool to transform society and change people’ identities from a jewish identity to a modern israeli identity. You may feel thats a good thing, but its not surprising that haredim and religious zionists (Chardal/Rav Kook types) feel threatened by it- it is there to change them by force. when you take away people’s children and secularize them or threaten their jewish identity its not suprising that there will be some backlash.
I’m sure Hashem is having real nachas ruach from these animals.
Consider this. A chareidi boy decides he’s joining the army. A year or two later, when his younger sister is applying to get into seminary or starts shidduchim, there is now a problem. The soldier’s younger siblings may encounter problems is their cheder. Just two entirely possible scenarios. So, it’s not difficult to see why the parents and wider community are not thrilled with this boy joining the army.
I imagine the various learned commenters, and probably YWN editors themselves would reply, “the entire Chareidi community structure has to change!!” Alright, so the likelihood of this happening anytime soon is pretty low. Your dream of “remaking” the Chareidi community via an English website is, well, not too realistic.
I’m just pointing out that there are (at least) two sides to this story. I’m not condoning violence, but a little understanding of the socio-religious situation here would be more constructive than automatically taking one side in this argument. The side that wants to encourage more Chareidi boys to join the army. Especially since YWN is a Chareidi website. And secondly and especially, in view of the most recent decision of several DL rabbis to discourage army service if the conscript will be assigned to a “mixed” unit. I.e., serving together with girls. BTW, this is a serious recent schism in the DL community that has curiously gone under reported on YWN. If these men are (finally!) seeing the handwriting on the wall regarding army service — you want to encourage Chareidi boys to join??
as to be expected 147 and garlic have a simplistic view on the matter and can only condemn those they don’t understand
And the IDF only yesterday , putting their young lives on the line in avenging Rabbi Shevach’s murder.
Despicable.
Nobody has the right to harass, curse , spit , or beat anybody including an Chareidi or secular IDF in a public venue, shul or shtiebel . NOBODY..
Any Toras Lukshen, pilpul , any ruling by any rav, rebbe, imam , that’s it’s ok, or you know…. understandable kinda, …. is megaleh ponim baTorah shlo L’halach. He is also a Rasha merusha. There, I said it.
I’m not a rav but I don’t have to be. Take your explanations about this Eisov behavior and move to Iran.
You’re also turning off frum Yidden who have decency and honor. You’re turning off and instigating hatred among the secular…
Do NOT show me any Rambams, Ritvahs, or R’ Yeinkel’s svoros..
You’re a disgrace, causing Chillul Hashem and your hatred against EY is now boundless..
Show respect, take your chevra and make Aliya and vote yourselves in…
Most of you were Shev V’al Taaseh’niks in pre-war Europe and refused to emigrate and make a difference…
Of course, there are problems, and there are anti-Torah people , but you’re using them to defame all of Eretz Yisroel..
You won’t stand a chance at Yom Hadin even with a closetful of your sforim.
Shabbat Shalom..!!