At a time when Israel is facing unprecedented security challenges, the question of recruiting the ultra-Orthodox to the IDF is re-emerging - but this time, with a different and respectful approach. The new call for the adoption of the Shakedi report presents a significant turning point in the public discourse.
At the heart of this initiative is a deep recognition of the value of "his Torah and his art" and the importance of the world of the Torah to ultra-Orthodox society and the Jewish identity of the State of Israel. The report and the public reading that supports it do not seek to challenge the status of Torah study, but on the contrary - they are looking for a way to create a delicate balance between preserving the values of the study and meeting the urgent security needs of the state. This is a call to find a solution that will respect the ultra-orthodox way of life, while acknowledging reality; The complex security situation in which Israel faces existential threats.
This approach seeks to open a new page in the discourse on ultra-Orthodox recruitment, with the understanding that only respectful and open dialogue can lead to a solution that will serve all of Israeli society, while preserving its diverse values.
Shakadi report: a bridge of understanding
The Shakdi Committee report, which was recently submitted to Defense Minister Yoav Galant, offers a new way to recruit ultra-Orthodox - a way based on mutual respect, understanding the needs of the ultra-Orthodox community, and maintaining its values. The report emphasizes the creation of trust between the IDF and ultra-Orthodox society, while Acknowledgment of the urgent operational need to recruit ultra-Orthodox in light of the manpower shortage.
The key principles mentioned in the report:
Cultural adaptation: establishment of a designated "landing" base for ultra-Orthodox soldiers, which allows maintaining a religious lifestyle.
Adapted tracks: Opening a variety of positions suitable for the ultra-orthodox lifestyle.
Preservation of identity: defining a "standard" for maintaining an ultra-orthodox lifestyle during the service.
Senior representation: appointment of an ultra-Orthodox adviser to the Chief of Staff to accompany the process.
The responses
The reactions to the report reflect the complexity of the issue in Israeli society. On the one hand, significant support is evident. A coalition of secular and religious movements calls for the adoption of the report's recommendations, in the hope of creating positive change.
Defense Minister Yoav Galant regards the report as an important opportunity, especially in light of the current security challenges. "We have a real operational need," says Galant, "and the report offers a practical way forward."
On the other hand, there are also voices of concern and criticism. Some express concern about the possible impact on the integration of women in the IDF, an issue that has gained progress in recent years. Others emphasize the importance of maintaining equality among all soldiers, and warn against giving excessive benefits to ultra-Orthodox recruits.
The skeptics in the audience question the ability to implement the recommendations without a mandatory conscription law. "Without a clear legal framework," claims one of the critics, "it is difficult to see a significant change on the ground."
However, the supporters of the report emphasize the importance of building trust and dialogue with the ultra-Orthodox community. They see the mobilization of the ultra-Orthodox as an important step to promote unity in Israeli society.
The Shakedi report marks a possible turning point in the discourse on ultra-Orthodox recruitment. It offers an opportunity for renewed discussion and examination of ways to respectfully and beneficially integrate all parts of Israeli society in the defense of the state. The challenge now is to translate the ideas into reality, while dealing with the complexities and sensitivities involved.
A call for dialogue
The call for the adoption of the Shakedi report comes from a wide range of movements, including Dror-Israel, the Kibbutz Movement, the Working and Learning Youth, the Bnei Akiva Graduates Movement, the National Youth-Betar, the Scouts, the Olim Camps, the Cultural Movement, the Agricultural Union, Maccabi Young and the Youth Movement Council. This is evidence of a real desire to create a bridge of understanding and agreement between all parts of Israeli society.
"We see the Shakedi report as an opportunity to create real change," says a representative of one of the movements. "It is a call for conscription out of respect for the principle of 'his teaching is his art' and out of a desire to allow the conscripting ultra-Orthodox boys to maintain their religious lifestyle."
opportunity
The current security situation creates a unique fitness hour. The IDF, which is short of over 10,000 fighting soldiers, is ready to make the necessary adjustments to integrate ultra-Orthodox youth. At the same time, there is a growing understanding among the ultra-Orthodox public of the magnitude of the hour and the need for changes.
call to action
The movements and organizations call on the ultra-Orthodox public to see them as an address for dialogue on this issue. They believe that together, it is possible to create a path that respects the values of the ultra-orthodox community while strengthening Israel's security and unity.
In their opinion, this is a historic opportunity to build a bridge of mutual understanding and appreciation, uniting all parts of Israeli society around the common mission of defending the State of Israel.