Why don’t Ultra-Orthodox Jews serve in the Military?
The military has long been a fundamental cornerstone of Israeli society, but there is one major exceptions: Ultra-Orthodox Jews. Despite comprising only about 10% of Israel’s population, many Ultra-Orthodox young men do not serve in the military, often incurring the ire of much of the rest of Israel. But why do some Ultra-Orthodox avoid military service?
Contents
**Religious Opinions and Halakic Considerations**
For many Ultra-Orthodox Jews, the decision not to serve in the military stems from deeply held religious beliefs. According to Jewish religious laws, or Halakah, men are considered worthy of serving God in numerous ways, including educating themselves in theTorah, devoted prayer, and separation from the rest of society. However, serving in the military – which is seen as going to war and preventing the spread of His word – is a significant deviation from these standards.
Table 1: Contrast of religious attitudes between Ultra-Orthodox Jews and the Israeli Army
| Ultra-Orthodox Jews | Israeli Army | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Service of HaShem (service for God) | Duty | |
| Purpose | Study, prayer, segregation | Defense, survival |
**Alternative Service Options and Deferments**
In order to accommodate the religiously significant concerns of Ultra-Orthodox Jews, alternative service options are frequently offered. These often comprise alternative military tracks or civil service appointments, which allow for conscientious objection to frontline duties without requiring participants to deviate from their religious observances.
Table 2: Alternative service options available in Israel for Ultra-Orthodox Jews
| Alternative Military Tracks |
+ Intelligence collection or analysis
+ Infrastructure maintenance
+ Technology development| Civil Service Appointments |
- Education
- Healthcare
- Youth services
| Conscience Objectors | 18 months of community service
**Conflict and Controversy with the Israeli Government and Non-Ultra-Orthodox Jews**
Despite these accommodation s, the decision to remain outside the military creates challenges and tensions between the government and Ultra-Orthodox communities. Many within Ultra-Orthodox societies choose to prioritize their spiritual dedication over national service obligations (1).
Recent years have seen controversies escalating between Ultra-Orthodox leaders and the government when it comes to enlistment rates and the requirement (2) of National Service for Ultra-Orthodox young men (like their non-Ultra-Orthodox peers **). In 2012-2013, government-passed legislation aimed at coercing Ultra-Orthodox men to serve has driven a wedge between Israeli military and Ultra-Orthodox communities.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
There might be no simple remedy (3). to the Ultra-Orthodox military service dilemma due in part to the fact Ultra-Orthodox populations prefer to prioritize their education (4) and religo-cultural identity over consensual military service. Understanding diverse perspectives and the concerns leading to the choice made (or not made) assists in addressing the gap left by Ultra-Orthodox Jews in the national system.
References:
- Galili, L., Ravid, B. “Ultra-Orthodox protests spread to Jerusalem following Shas MK’s words supporting Israeli army” Haaretz, 2017 June 22.
- Yaaron, S. (5) “Israel Consensus: Ultra-Orthodox Jews to Serve as Officers & Soldiers” Israelly Buzz, 2011/12/27/0.
- (Barnett, R, L. “Israel – Orthodox Jews’ Military Obligations” Jewish Journal).
