New Haredi Leader Yaakov Asher Prioritizes Draft Exemption Law
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Asher believes economic sanctions and arrests are ineffective in increasing Haredi enlistment, arguing they only lead to protests and are counterproductive. He stated that his party will only join the next government if the draft law is resolved, emphasizing their commitment to the "bloc of Torah."
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Asher seeks to define "Torah is his craft" for draft status, not a blanket exemption.
- He believes arrests and economic sanctions are ineffective for increasing Haredi military enlistment.
- Asher asked for societal acceptance of the Haredi community's distinct way of life.
- He criticized politicians for what he called excessive attacks on the Haredi population.
Asher clarified that his goal is not a blanket exemption but rather to define who qualifies under the "Torah is his craft" clause. He acknowledged the IDF's projected shortage of 17,000 soldiers by January 2027, as stated by Brigadier General Shai Teib to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. However, Asher argued that placing the sole burden on the Haredi community is a fundamental mistake, criticizing opposition filibustering that prevented legislative progress.
He proposed a solution based on a previous committee proposal to define who is included in the draft status arrangements. Regarding Haredi men who do not study, Asher deferred responsibility to their parents and rabbis, stating he is not their educator. He expressed understanding for the frustration of reservists and bereaved families but asserted that economic sanctions would not be effective in changing the deeply religious and committed Haredi community's priorities.
Asher dismissed claims that recent increases in Haredi enlistment are due to sanctions or arrests, arguing that arrests only provoke further protests and are counterproductive. He suggested that military officials' calls for arrests might be influenced by media attention. He also stated that economic sanctions are ineffective on a non-liberal, faith-based population that prioritizes adherence to Torah scholars' guidance.
Responding to the perception that the Haredi community has not changed post-October 7th, Asher insisted the war has had a significant impact. He urged the public to believe their actions stem from faith, not parasitism, and asked for societal acceptance of their distinct way of life. He also commented on statements attributed to Rabbi Landau, explaining they were taken out of context from a specific halachic lesson.
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