In a neighborhood of Jerusalem, ultra-Orthodox Jewish residents celebrated the return of a soldier from military service, highlighting a growing sense of solidarity between Israel’s ultra-Orthodox minority and the secular mainstream in the face of escalating threats.
The recent Hamas-led attack on Israel has reignited long-standing debates about military exemptions for Haredim, Israel’s most religious Jews. However, in the wake of the deadliest day of attacks on Jews since the Holocaust, parts of the ultra-Orthodox community are reconsidering their role in the nation’s fabric. Polling data and military statistics show an increase in support for military service among some Haredim, although the majority still hopes to maintain their exemption.
The ongoing war in Gaza has put pressure on the government to decide whether to extend exemptions for Haredim or begin incorporating them into the draft, leading to tensions within the governing coalition. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has advocated for increased Haredi involvement in the military, emphasizing the need for all sectors of the population to share the burden of security challenges facing the country.
A recent poll conducted by the Haredi Institute for Public Affairs shows a significant shift in attitudes within the Haredi community, with nearly 30 percent now supporting conscription, up from previous levels. This shift reflects a growing sense of shared destiny with other Israelis following the October attacks.
While challenges remain in integrating Haredim into the military, there has been a notable increase in interest among some members of the community to serve. The war has prompted discussions and interactions between secular and ultra-Orthodox Israelis, leading to moments of solidarity and understanding, particularly among the more outward-facing segments of Haredi society.
As Israel grapples with the aftermath of the recent attacks and debates the role of the ultra-Orthodox in national defense, some Haredim are finding common ground with their secular counterparts, signaling a potential shift in the traditionally insular community’s views on military service and engagement with broader Israeli society.