Ultra-Orthodox Parties Should Not Be in Israeli Government Coalition
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Ultra-Orthodox parties should not be in Israel's ruling coalition due to their creation of parallel power structures and alienation of a growing generation, argues Ynet columnist Oz Ben-Nun. These parties control education and social welfare, fostering a sense of detachment from the state among young ultra-Orthodox Israelis. Ben-Nun calls for them to return to representing their voters from the opposition to safeguard the country's future.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox parties should be in opposition, not the ruling coalition, due to their growing influence.
- These parties have become "mini-states" controlling education and social welfare for a growing population.
- A rapidly growing "non-Zionist and non-productive" generation poses a danger to Israel's future.
- Ultra-Orthodox parties control educational networks that foster alienation rather than integration.
- The call for their removal from government stems from love for Israel and concern for its future.
The true reason ultra-Orthodox parties should not be part of Israel's ruling coalition is not their stance on military conscription, but their growing influence and the creation of parallel power structures, according to Ynet columnist Oz Ben-Nun. He argues that political divisions have made these parties essential for forming governments, leading them to become "mini-states" that control education and social welfare for a growing segment of the population.
Ben-Nun highlights demographic trends, noting that by some estimates, ultra-Orthodox and Arab students will soon outnumber those in state Jewish education. He warns that a rapidly growing "non-Zionist and non-productive" generation poses a real danger to the country's future, as this generation feels alienated and unwilling to take responsibility for the state.
The columnist points to the educational networks controlled by the ultra-Orthodox parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, which educate a significant majority of young ultra-Orthodox individuals. He asserts that these parties are not just participants in power but "parallel powers" that raise the next generation for alienation rather than integration.
To prevent Israel from becoming a state where the majority is non-Zionist, non-productive, and non-serving, Ben-Nun calls for ultra-Orthodox parties to return to their original role of representing their constituents and to remain in opposition. He states this call stems from love for the country and concern for its future, not hatred for the ultra-Orthodox community, whom he believes have been neglected and exploited by the system.
