the best of bad options

Some of the Haredi ministers who did not serve in the IDF are respectfully bowing out of participation in the Memorial Day ceremonies they were scheduled to attend as representatives of the government.

I can respect that. Not having served in the army, especially in these times of tension and friction, with the debates over the new Draft Law having begun and the law being prepared for passage, their participation would surely have raised eyebrows, at minimum, and most likely caused fractious ceremonies. Nobody needs that right now. It looks like they are chickening out, but to me it seems to be the best of the bad options.

Though, they do say they serve an equally important function, if not more important by learning Torah - the Torah learning done in the yeshivas being the source of the success of the IDF. Perhaps if they are really partners in the IDF, with some by serving in the IDF ranks and others by serving in the yeshivas, perhaps that is a reason to attend and not cancel. Show that you really believe you are part of, the main part of, the IDF's successes.

Another consideration, I saw online some saying that as soldiers attending such ceremonies in the past, even though Haredim did not serve they appreciated seeing them attend the ceremonies, being sensitive to the losses of the ones who did serve, and it made them feel more connected as one nation with each doing its part but recognizing the other. If they stop attending, perhaps that will be lost. Though, and I am just musing, perhaps there is a difference when attending as an observer with empathy and creating a connection rather than as the government representative. Worth consideration. 

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