MK Pindrus Tells Critics of Haredi Draft Exemption to Leave Israel
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Member of Knesset Yitzhak Pindrus of United Torah Judaism told critics of Haredi draft exemptions that they could leave Israel, as the community intends to remain. Pindrus stated the airports and borders are open for those who disagree with the Haredi stance on conscription. He also claimed the issue of Haredi draft avoidance is fabricated and stems from a past policy change.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Yitzhak Pindrus told critics of Haredi draft exemptions they could leave Israel.
- Pindrus stated the Haredi community intends to remain in Israel as Torah scholars.
- He claimed the issue of Haredi conscription is a fabricated problem.
- Pindrus said the airports and borders remain open for those who disagree.
- The remarks were made at a closed-door English-speaking event.
Member of Knesset Yitzhak Pindrus of the United Torah Judaism party was recorded at a closed-door English-speaking event stating that if critics cannot accept the Haredi community's stance on military conscription, they are welcome to leave the country. "The airports are open, you can leave," Pindrus said, emphasizing the community's commitment to remaining in Israel as Torah scholars and their refusal to change their approach to the draft. The exclusive recording was aired by Haredi Affairs Correspondent Ari Kalman on Monday evening.
Pindrus asserted that the notion of a problem with Haredi conscription is false, claiming that the reason Haredi men are not drafted is due to a past initiative aimed at preventing yeshiva students from joining the army to avoid service. He explained that this initiative, which he claims was implemented 20 years ago, led to a situation where those leaving yeshivas would typically be drafted. He stated that this practice stopped, implying it was a deliberate change in policy.
"Our role is to wake up in the morning and say, 'No, we are here to stay. If you cannot stand it, you are invited to leave. The airport is still open, the borders are still open... We are here to stay as Torah scholars,'" Pindrus added, reiterating his defiant stance.
