Who Are the Haredim? The Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Group Who Refuse to Serve in the Israeli Army

GAZA – Haredim or group of people Jews Ultra-Orthodox have protested in Israel, unhappy with the idea of ​​being drafted into the army.

In recent days, groups of Haredi men have clashed with police during protests against the lifting of their military exemption, and anger has even been directed at their own representatives in Israel’s parliament. On Sunday, a group attacked the car of the head of the United Torah Judaism party.

In a country that has compulsory military service, why are the ultra-Orthodox exempt, and why are they so angry about attempts to change that?

Who Are the Haredim? The Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Group Who Refuse to Serve in the Israeli Army

1. The Most Devout Jewish Sect Because They Dedicate Themselves to Worship

Photo/AP

According to Al Jazeera, Haredim (Haredi in singular) is the Hebrew term for ultra-Orthodox Jews. They are the most devout sect of Judaism, separating themselves from society to devote themselves to prayer and worship.

They have distinctive clothing, women wear long, simple clothes and head coverings, while men wear black suits or coats and large fur hats.

They also have a different way of life, keeping themselves and their communities as isolated as possible from the outside world, preventing the economic interactions necessary to remain “pure” and untainted by worldly interests.

This movement has existed since the 19th century in Europe as a reaction to the modernization of the world, which the Haredim feared would distract Jews from their religious studies.

2. In charge of studying the Torah

Photo/AP

A special exception arrangement, torato umanuto (meaning “studying the Torah is his duty”), was agreed upon before the state of Israel was founded.

The exception is that a small number of senior students are exempt from military service as long as all they do is study Jewish scripture at religious schools known as yeshivas – which rely on government funding.

This is based on the belief that studying the Torah, or reading it, protects the nation of Israel from threats. And because the ultra-Orthodox are a relatively small group in Israel, the issue is not seen as a major problem.