In Israel, military service debate spotlights ultra-Orthodox Jews and their growing clout
- Ultra-Orthodox Jews, known in Hebrew as Haredim, are a visible and growing part of Israeli society, with increasing political and cultural influence.
- A debate over exemptions from Israel’s military draft for ultra-Orthodox men has become a major political issue as the country continues to face war and approaches national elections.
- Ultra-Orthodox doctrine places full-time Torah study above military service and work, which puts this community at odds with many other Israelis.
- Some ultra-Orthodox families support military service while also emphasizing religious study, and the article notes cases of sons enlisting after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews are a highly visible part of Israeli life, and their growing numbers have translated into greater political and cultural clout. That influence has intensified tensions with secular Israelis and other religious groups, especially over the question of military service.
The article centers on the dispute over draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men. The issue has drawn mass protests and taken on added significance as Israel remains at war on several fronts and heads toward elections in which ultra-Orthodox parties could play a decisive role.
At the heart of the dispute is a religious view that full-time Torah study is the highest duty. The report also shows that views inside the community are not uniform, citing a mother of eight who said she would prefer full-time Torah study if possible, but praised sons who left study to serve in the army after the Hamas attack in 2023.
以色列兵役争议凸显极端正统派犹太人的影响力上升
极端正统派犹太人是以色列社会中非常醒目的一群人，随着人数增长，他们在政治和文化上的影响力也在扩大。这种变化加剧了他们与世俗犹太人以及其他宗教群体之间的紧张关系，尤其集中在是否服兵役的问题上。
报道的焦点是极端正统派男性兵役豁免的争议。这个问题已经引发大规模抗议；在以色列多线作战、同时又临近大选的背景下，极端正统派政党可能成为决定性力量，这一争议也因此更受关注。
争议核心在于一种宗教观念，即全职研读《托拉》被视为最高责任。报道同时显示，社区内部看法并不完全一致：一位有八个孩子的母亲说，如果条件允许，她更希望孩子专心研读《托拉》，但她也为在 2023 年哈马斯袭击后选择参军的儿子感到自豪。