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Apr 23, 2023
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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In normal times a Chareidi minister could show up and give a speech saying that he respects and honours the sacrifice made by so many so that he and his community could live in peace.
ReplyDeleteThere are not normal times. A Chareidi minister could show up and intend to say just that and his mere presence will push some activist in the crowd to ruin the even for everyone.
We just have to admit that anyone in these insane times who cannot see the truth and know the difference between right and wrong, left and right, is either stupid or just another erev rav.
ReplyDeleteSadly left and right are being confused on purpose, with the Bibists saying that Lieberman, Bennet, Yaalon etc are "left". And right and wrong... let's say that the religious leaders are happily using the State's budget, dividing it between themselves, and at the same time inciting against the state's institutions and proclaiming that this is right and not wrong. Your average religious person is being led astray by those people
DeleteIn that case, wouldn’t it make sense that once they leave yeshiva that some community service or army or something else would be required? kt
ReplyDeleteThe IDF doesn't want anyone past the age of 26. The brain solidifies by then and you can't mold someone into a soldier as well after that point. And the younger the better- the age has been dropping. A soldier is asked to do something insane, namely, ignore the deep-rooted survival instinct we all have and run *into* danger. 18-year-olds are crazy enough to do that. Older people, not so much.
DeleteWell, here's my genius idea: Tell charedim they can claim a conscientious objection, just like anyone else. They just have to get on record the real record they don't want to service, which is that they still haven't made their peace with the State of Israel. That would clarify matters, no?
ReplyDelete