Hagai Luber, the father of Yehonatan Luber, who fell in battle in the Gaza Strip, called today (Monday) to act for the enlistment of Haredim to the army and for equality in the burden. In a Facebook post, Luber recounted an event he attended together with Haredim and members of the Religious Zionist community.
"I was invited last night to a meeting initiated by Haredim, a dialogue with religious Zionists, in order to: 'reduce the tension', 'stop the rift', and 'put an end to the incitement'." Out of concern and love for the Haredim, for unity, and for the Torah, I went," he wrote. "And the Haredim and the religious sat and talked for a long time about the reasons for the rift: they explained psychological reasons for anxiety about the different, talked about hidden competition, and recounted ancient anger." And they said that the recruitment is just a trigger and not the issue, and they said that one needs to get to know it up close. And they said that joint activities are needed. And my heart burned within me.
Luber recounted, "I opened and said in a measured voice that I had an idea for a joint activity that would reduce tension, bring us closer, and alleviate anxieties: enlist in the army!!! Help the people of Israel prevent lynching and death. Share the burden with the women waiting for their husbands, with children who haven't seen their father for many days. Participated in the effort."
"I said we waited a year, that I was sure, as someone who is close, loves, and admires the kindness and Torah study of the Haredim, that their politicians would threaten to withdraw from the government if they were not finally given conditions to serve according to their strict observance." And that their great scholars issue a binding halachic ruling that at least those who do not study Torah must enlist. And if not, he is excommunicated, at least like someone who uses a hacked phone, and he is not called to the Torah, and we do not pray with him, and we do not speak with him in the market," he added. "And the fact that it didn't happen, but rather the opposite – it's not a trigger, it's the traumatic experience itself." And this, and only this, stands between us."
In conclusion, he called on the ultra-Orthodox: "Only through their active participation in the fighting: those who do not know – will know." And those who do not appreciate – will appreciate. And the instigators – let their mouths be shut. And above all, they will fulfill a priceless commandment and obey the words of our teacher Moses: "Will your brothers go to war while you sit here?!" We finished with a chapter of Psalms that we said together and with intention, for the salvation of our captives and the success of our soldiers. And we walked home pensive.
