4 Responses

1. A soldier does not fight a battle with just a rifle in his hands and hand grenades attached to his belt. He fights with a group of men who in turn are supported by airplanes, helicopters, drones, tanks, cannons, howitzers, anti-aircraft missiles and other armament. Possibly hundreds of miles away there are many more supporters who do not fight at the front but are just as necessary; ammunition supplier, cooks who prepare their portable ready-to-eat meals, boot makers, uniform suppliers, etc.

   With this knowledge of thousands backing him a soldier has full confidence of his success in battle. That bravery helps assure victory on the battlefield.

   Just as important—and more so—a secular or religious soldier’s spirit depends on the worldwide Charedim community whose merit in prayers, learning Talmud, and strict adherence to God’s law his life may hang on.

   It is a self-defeating purpose for the Israeli government to force the Charedim into army service. The backbone of belief in them holds the future of any success just as it did in the past 60 years in Israel and as it has done since Judaism came into being.

   It is a major flaw in believing that taking Charedim out of their yeshivas will aid the army as it is in allowing easy victory to the enemies of Israel.

2. When in doubt… demonstrate.

3. Thom McCann beautifully written!

4. I’m sure you just didn’t find it relevant to inform your readership that the Eidah Chareidis called for this Atzeres.