Ultra-Orthodox Society Embracing Change From Within, Not Just Protests

A shift towards integrating ultra-Orthodox men into the IDF is already underway within the community, driven by internal initiatives rather than solely by external pressure or legislation, according to an opinion piece. While the failure to pass a conscription law in the previous Knesset term was seen by some as a political maneuver, it may have also presented an overlooked opportunity for organic change.

Many rabbis, leaders, and communities within the ultra-Orthodox sector support a regulated status for yeshiva students alongside a supervised and responsible integration of ultra-Orthodox individuals into the IDF, provided their Torah-focused lifestyle is maintained. This perspective, which has broader support than often portrayed in the media, suggests that as the IDF establishes suitable frameworks, there's no reason to maintain the status quo and that employed ultra-Orthodox men should be allowed to enlist.

This is not merely theoretical; the IDF has, in recent years, created specific frameworks for the ultra-Orthodox sector in cooperation with influential conservative communities. These frameworks already host significant numbers of ultra-Orthodox soldiers serving full-time while adhering to their religious lifestyle. The continuation and consolidation of these realities represent a significant step towards broader change.

Changes within ultra-Orthodox society typically originate not from the center but from cohesive, halakha-observant communities. Once these changes are proven compatible with Jewish law, they tend to permeate the broader society. This process often involves three camps when facing a new challenge: an extreme isolationist stream, a pragmatic stream initiating changes adapted to halakha, and a central camp that initially leans towards the extreme but gradually moves towards the pragmatic approach.

In the current conscription debate, if the status of yeshiva students is regulated and the IDF proves it can maintain adapted frameworks, opposition to the enlistment of employed ultra-Orthodox men is likely to soften across the community. The article argues that the failure to pass the conscription law has harmed both yeshiva students and reservists by prolonging the conflict and potentially leading to stricter sanctions. Conversely, confrontation with law enforcement can lead to radicalization, hindering enlistment.

The author concludes that the change has begun, driven by a growing internal movement and a growing acceptance that continued refusal to enlist employed ultra-Orthodox men is unsustainable if adapted frameworks and regulated yeshiva student status are provided. True change, the piece asserts, requires partnership with the ultra-Orthodox community, as imposed changes are less likely to succeed. The piece also criticizes disruptive protest methods like road blockades and property damage as being contrary to Jewish law.