‘We’ve paid with our blood’: Veterans confront haredi lawmakers demanding support, draft exemptions

A heated confrontation erupted in the Knesset's House Committee on Thursday as combat veterans directly challenged haredi lawmakers over the advancement of a bill concerning Torah study. The veterans, many suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), demanded that the government prioritize their needs and provide adequate support for soldiers before proceeding with the contentious legislation.

One veteran, Yossi Sardi, rose from his seat to confront United Torah Judaism leader MK Yitzhak Goldknopf, shouting that legislation supporting IDF soldiers should take precedence. Another veteran voiced the collective frustration of those who have served, stating, "You've been making promises for six years; how much is too much? We’ve paid with our blood.” The outburst led to a temporary suspension of the meeting.

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You've been making promises for six years; how much is too much? We’ve paid with our blood.

Einav Danino, mother of a soldier murdered in Hamas captivity, also addressed the committee, emphasizing the critical need to support IDF veterans. She shared her personal pain, highlighting the soldiers who recovered her son's remains from Gaza, underscoring the psychological burden they carry. Her testimony aimed to underscore the human cost of conflict and the government's responsibility to those who fight.

The debate centered on the Basic Law: Torah Study bill, which seeks to enshrine Torah study as a fundamental national value. Critics argue the bill facilitates draft evasion and allows yeshiva students who do not serve to continue receiving state benefits. Revisions to the bill are being considered after the Knesset legal adviser warned that its current wording could grant benefits to those evading military service, similar to those received by IDF reservists. This has created significant tension within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, with haredi parties pushing for the bill's advancement unchanged.

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My Ori was murdered after 11 months in captivity, and I live with that pain thanks to the soldiers who brought him back to me, and they carry that burden with them. I would never have gotten Ori back without them.