Haredi Researcher Navigates Politics to Tackle Draft, Poverty, and Education

Dr. Nechumi Yaffe, a candidate for the "Haredi Public" party, has transitioned from academia to politics, driven by her research on the evolving Haredi society. In an interview with Arutz 7, Yaffe discussed the societal shifts within the Haredi community and her policy priorities, focusing on draft reform, poverty reduction, and educational improvements. She acknowledged the challenging nature of entering politics but noted positive feedback from Haredim who resonate with the party's message of responsibility and honesty.

Yaffe's academic journey began in the Haredi education system, teaching law and history before pursuing higher education. Her entry into academia was met with apprehension within her community, and she initially concealed her studies. By 2012, she found herself an unintentional representative of the Haredi public in university settings, facing criticism during controversies like the "Mehiladrin" bus lines. Over time, she learned to bridge the gap between the Haredi and secular worlds, observing that tensions surrounding Haredi identity persisted and manifested during national crises.

Her political platform stems from the belief that the Haredi community must adapt to preserve its way of life for future generations. Yaffe argues that while the community once focused on rebuilding Torah study after the Holocaust, contemporary challenges require integrating Torah observance with practical life. Her party aims to connect responsibility in secular life with the centrality of Torah and commandments. Yaffe's research suggests a more diverse Haredi population than commonly perceived, with many individuals negotiating reality despite a unified social ideal. She warns that denying societal changes, such as internet usage, is dangerous and hinders the ability to provide guidance.

Yaffe advocates for a significant reform of the draft law, calling the current situation of draft dodgers a "disgrace." Her proposed solution is straightforward: "Whoever studies, studies, and whoever doesn't, enlists." She believes over 12,000 young Haredim could serve in tailored military frameworks that respect their lifestyle. The events of October 7th, she noted, have somewhat reduced the stigma against Haredi enlistment, reframing it as a response to necessity rather than secularization, though external pressures can cause the community to retreat.

Another key focus for Yaffe is poverty within the Haredi community, which she links to issues in family life, education, and health. Drawing on research from both Israel and the US, she emphasizes education, vocational training, and labor market integration as crucial. Her party proposes incorporating math, English, and life skills into Haredi education, arguing these are essential for economic advancement and do not contradict religious education. Yaffe also addressed accusations of leftist leanings, stating that while she previously held views with a "leftist flavor," the war has reshaped her perspective, leading her to believe that peace requires a different approach against a brutal enemy. She affirmed her party's right-wing stance and expressed a preference for Benjamin Netanyahu as a coalition partner over Yair Golan.