Torah Does Not Exempt Haredim From Military Draft, Argues Attorney
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Attorney Uriel Lin argues that the Torah does not exempt Haredi men from IDF service, asserting that such exemptions contradict biblical commandments and the principle of equality. He believes the issue of Haredi conscription is a critical factor in upcoming elections that will define Israel's future character as a liberal democracy.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Attorney Uriel Lin argues Torah does not exempt Haredim from IDF draft.
- He states efforts to exempt yeshiva students contradict biblical commandments.
- Lin calls Haredi conscription a central issue for Israel's future.
- He emphasizes equality before the law and shared security burden.
- Biblical examples are cited to support the need for universal service.
Attorney Uriel Lin argues that efforts to exempt yeshiva students from IDF service contradict biblical commandments and Israel's true heritage, which he states "completely rejects" not sharing the burden of security due to Torah study. He contends that the upcoming elections will be pivotal in determining the state's future character, presenting a choice between a centralized system that risks becoming a religious state and a more balanced system preserving Israel as a liberal democracy.
Lin highlights the issue of equal conscription for Haredim into the IDF as a central, historically significant question that will shape the nation's future. He asserts that the principle of equality before the law is fundamental to a democracy and that exempting one group from risking their lives for national security while others are required to do so constitutes severe discrimination.
Following the October 7th attacks and the ensuing war, reserve duty has become a significant burden for some, while others are exempt and even disrupt public life with protests. Lin questions the "false policy" of exempting yeshiva students, stating that the Torah itself does not grant such exemptions. He cites biblical passages, including Moses' question to the tribes of Gad and Reuben, "Shall your brothers go to war, and you sit here?" (Numbers 32:6), and David's response to defeat by the Philistines, which emphasized military training rather than religious study.
Nehemiah's account of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, where builders simultaneously stood guard, is also presented as an example of shared defense. Lin concludes that anyone working to exempt yeshiva students from IDF service acts against biblical commandments, while those who advocate for their conscription align with them. He emphasizes that while Torah study is valued, it should not preclude participation in national defense, and exemptions should be personal, not societal divisions.
