Israeli Radio Hosts Debate Haredi Draft Evasion and October 7th Trauma
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Israeli radio hosts Moshe Mans and Ariel Sharfer debated the Haredi community's relationship with the state, focusing on draft evasion controversies and the trauma of October 7th. They discussed a recent incident of a yeshiva student evading arrest and the differing perspectives on military service within the Haredi sector.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Radio hosts debated Haredi draft evasion and October 7th trauma.
- One host shared personal, disturbing memories from Nir Oz after the attack.
- A recent incident of a yeshiva student evading arrest sparked controversy.
- Hosts criticized celebrations of draft evasion as a "Pyrrhic victory."
- The discussion touched on Haredi funding and attitudes towards military service.
- The program concluded with lighthearted advice and a Talmud study segment.
Radio hosts Moshe Mans and Ariel Sharfer discussed pressing issues facing Israel, including the trauma of the October 7th massacre and the controversy surrounding draft evasion within the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community. Mans opened the program with a personal monologue reflecting on his experiences as a reservist in Nir Oz following the October 7th attacks, focusing on his disturbing memories of the kibbutz's peacocks.
The discussion then shifted to a recent incident where a yeshiva student, reportedly evading military arrest, was celebrated by some in Modi'in as having experienced a "miracle rescue." Mans cited Aryeh Deri's claim that many Haredi families fear the military, viewing such an evasion as a "bill of divorce" from their way of life. Sharfer strongly condemned the celebrations and Deri's comparison, calling it "infuriating" and a "Pyrrhic victory" that could lead to an uncontrolled Haredi autonomy, ultimately harming the community itself.
The hosts also addressed the upcoming elections, with 21 days remaining, and a video showing a yeshiva head tearing up a draft notice. Mans noted that while Torah study is important, the yeshiva's receipt of 3 million shekels from the state warrants introspection. Sharfer shared his own military service experiences and his father's advice: "There is no 'I' and no 'want', there is a personal number and what the army needs." He added the adage, "Don't volunteer, don't refuse."
Towards the end of the program, the hosts offered a lighthearted piece of advice to listeners, urging them to stay alert on flights, especially after recent events involving a flight from Dubai, suggesting they might need to land the plane themselves. The program concluded with a segment on healthy living and a daily page of Talmud study.
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