The other day there was a discussion in the Knesset about proposing a law that would create a form of affirmative action specifically for the Haredi community - to advance equal opportunities for Haredim to find employment.

Justice Minister Tzippi Livni opposed the possibility of such a law, saying that Haredim do not want to work.  MK Porush (UTJ) pointed, in response, to research that shows clearly that Haredim who are fully qualified for certain jobs, with academic degrees and the desire to work, are discriminated against and have a harder time finding employment. Livni stuck to her guns and said that Haredim are not interested in joining the workforce and she opposed the law.

I don't know if Livni is right or wrong about what Haredim want. I actually don't even think that it is possible to make such a general statement. Sure, there are plenty of people in the Haredi community that are not looking for work, not interested in working, and want nothing of it. but there are also plenty of people in the Haredi community who want to work, have a very difficult time finding employment, feel discriminated against - both in opportunities and in salary.

Should these people not be helped?

If the government is serious about finding ways to encourage further integration of Haredim into the workforce, it must prepare the workforce for this integration. If the Haredim who want to work cannot find jobs, what's the point of all the government efforts?

I do believe in the efficacy of affirmative action - it does not have to be open-ended, but it should be in place for x number of years, to get things off the ground. once employers, and the job market, see that Haredim are people and employees just like anybody else, then the affirmative action plan can be rescinded. Right now though it is very much needed just to help make such integration attempts a reality.