Top Rabbi Slams State Over Haredi Draft, Economic Contributions
Rabbi Yosef Chevroni, head of the Hebron Yeshiva, has launched a scathing critique of the Israeli state, particularly concerning the draft law affecting yeshiva students and the government's financial support for religious institutions. In a rare interview published in the 'Bamah' magazine for the holiday, Rabbi Chevroni asserted that the draft decree had paradoxically "saved us from the Holocaust," explaining that many important yeshiva students had made aliyah to Israel. He accused the state of inciting against the Haredi public while simultaneously benefiting from the Haredi economy, which he described as a significant contributor to the nation's finances.
"Even when the state transfers budgets, it gives from our money," Rabbi Chevroni stated, highlighting the substantial financial contributions of the Haredi community. He claimed that the Torah world's 'Olam HaTorah Fund' alone brings in hundreds of millions of dollars annually, yet the community receives little in return. He characterized state officials as "parasites" who only take and give nothing, despite the Haredi community's significant economic output, including exports and consumption, which he argued generates substantial revenue for Israel.
Addressing the contentious issue of drafting yeshiva students, Rabbi Chevroni emphasized the critical role of Torah study in safeguarding the nation. "If there is a city in Israel that thinks it is possible to live in the Land of Israel with the protection of soldiers without the protection of Torah, there is no greater risk and danger than that!" he declared, implying that Torah study is as vital for national security as military protection.
The interview, conducted by Rabbi Eliyav Miller and Yechiel Sever, also touched upon government aid to yeshivas, with Rabbi Chevroni suggesting that even this aid is largely funded by the Haredi community's contributions and that the state's share is often less than half. He argued that the Haredi community's economic contributions, including housing and consumption, are immense and far outweigh any perceived burden on the state.
