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🇮🇱 Israel /Conflict & Security

Israel must stop tolerating anti-draft anarchy - opinion

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Named sources Context piece
  • The article criticizes the Israeli society's tolerance of anti-draft protests by some ultra-Orthodox (haredi) individuals, labeling it anarchy.
  • It argues that these disruptions, including violence against law enforcement and citizens, demonstrate a perversion of faith and a disregard for the law.
  • The author questions the religious justifications used by haredim to avoid military service and calls for stronger enforcement against such actions.

The author strongly criticizes the current atmosphere in Israel, which they describe as anarchy, fueled by the actions of some ultra-Orthodox (haredi) individuals protesting draft laws. The piece argues that when elected officials fail to act decisively against protests that disrupt essential services and involve violence, society has been hijacked. This chaos is attributed to those who believe their religiously observant lifestyle grants them superior moral standing, a claim the author disputes based on their actions.

You get the government you deserve

— ProverbUsed to frame the societal atmosphere resulting from a lack of decisive action against protests.

The article details instances of rioting and stone-throwing by protestors, resulting in injuries to police officers and citizens. The author contends that this behavior is a stark contradiction to the exemplary conduct expected from those claiming moral superiority. The piece questions the religious justifications used by haredim to refuse military service, particularly when it conflicts with the law's prioritization of saving lives. It asks whether three years of service truly precludes a lifetime of Torah study or if ancient religious texts are being disregarded.

The Lord your God is the One Who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies to save you and bring you victory

— Deuteronomy 20:1-4Cited to question the haredi interpretation of religious obligations regarding military service.

Describing a recent riot in Jerusalem as a "disgusting display of perversion," the author condemns the physical harm inflicted on others and views it as an affront to God. The piece references Talmudic passages and Leviticus to argue against violence and wrongdoing, questioning what religious institutions are teaching young men who engage in such acts. The author expresses concern about the future of religious studies if the very country that shelters them is undermined by such actions.

The Sanhedrin 85a portion of the Talmud, which gives a universal prohibition against hitting or physically injuring any person?

— Cookie Schwaeber-IssanReferenced to challenge the religious basis for violence by haredi protestors.

The article concludes by highlighting the police's stance, stating they "will not allow a blatant violation of p," implying a commitment to enforcing the law against these disruptions. The overall tone is one of urgent condemnation of what the author perceives as a dangerous breakdown of order and a perversion of religious principles by a segment of the haredi community.

You shall not wrong one another, but you shall fear your God.

— Leviticus 25:17Quoted to underscore the religious imperative against harming others.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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