Idan Amadi Debates Haredi Military Conscription with Baal Teshuva on New Israeli TV Show
A new Israeli television project titled "Not What You Thought" premieres on the eve of Tisha B'Av, featuring singer and songwriter Idan Amadi. The show brings together outspoken individuals from diverse segments of Israeli society to explore common ground despite visible social divides. A key moment in the first episode occurs when Amadi confronts Dolev Davidovich, a baal teshuva (returnee to religious observance) from Lod, about the contentious issue of Haredi conscription into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Davidovich, who served in the Paratroopers Brigade and describes himself as having "returned to religion while in the army," expresses a nuanced stance: he supports Haredi enlistment only if the military operates according to Jewish law, but opposes it under the current IDF framework. Amadi, himself a wounded veteran from the Gaza war who underwent extensive rehabilitation, challenges this view by citing the example of the Hasmonean Brigade, which maintains religious practices such as kosher food, separate mikvahs, and designated prayer times.
The debate deepens when Davidovich raises concerns about rules of engagement, particularly the protection of innocent civilians during combat operations. He argues that Jewish law forbids risking even a fingernail of a Jewish soldier to potentially save non-Jewish civilians. Amadi counters affirmatively that the IDF does take such precautions. Another participant attempts to separate religious ethical considerations from operational military decisions, highlighting the complexity of the discussion.
A poignant moment arises when it is revealed that both Amadi and Davidovich served in the same Paratroopers unit, underscoring the deep ideological divides that can exist even among comrades-in-arms. Amadi, who has been active in public discourse over the past year, seeks to bridge these gaps by emphasizing that the current IDF structure accommodates religious lifestyles.
The program aims to foster dialogue and unity amid societal tensions, especially on the eve of Tisha B'Av, a day symbolizing Jewish division and the heavy cost of baseless hatred. The conversation between Amadi and Davidovich reflects ongoing national debates about Haredi military service and balancing religious values with civic duties.
