A controversial agreement between the Gur Hasidic sect and the Israeli Defense Ministry is reportedly in its final stages, according to a report aired this morning on Galatz (IDF Radio).
According to the terms of the deal, a small number of Gur Hasidim will join the police force in exchange for widespread exemptions from military service for all of the other Gerrer hasidim.
Sources say that about 250 young Gerrer Hasidim would enlist in the police, while thousands of others aged 18 to 26 would receive exemptions from mandatory IDF service. The talks, which have been ongoing for a month, are led by Rabbi Avraham Binyamin Silberberg, who is a leading figure in the Gur community and a close confidant of the Gerrer Rebbe.
The final round of discussions took place last Thursday at a Defense Ministry facility in Tel Aviv. While the exact details are still being ironed out, including the specific individuals who would join the police force, both sides have apparently reached a general agreement on the principles of the deal.
This potential arrangement stems from a pragmatic approach by the Defense Ministry. Officials reportedly believe that without such a compromise, virtually no members of the Gur community would serve in any capacity.
However, given the ongoing public debate about equality in military service and the sharing of national responsibilities, this agreement could be seen as unfair by other groups in Israel.
As of now, the IDF, Defense Ministry, Defense Minister, and Israeli Police have all declined to comment on the report. Their silence leaves many questions unanswered about the implications and implementation of such a deal.