Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yosef's words are an insult to IDF soldiers risking their lives - editorial

• Published date: 11 March 2024
• Author: JPOST EDITORIAL
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Yosef asserted that, if forced to join the army, haredim would collectively move abroad, posing a potential upheaval for the nation

Needless to say, this is a horrible thing to say. Israel's defense equates Israel's existence, and the rabbi's comments not only reject that fact, they insult those who strive to defend their country, both in mandatory service and the reserves.

"Rabbi Yosef's words are an insult and disgrace to the IDF soldiers who risk their lives to defend the country," Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said. "Yosef is employed and paid by the state. He cannot threaten the state."

Yosef, in his comments, underscored the pivotal role of Torah study in Israel's success, attributing the country's achievements to divine protection secured through Torah learning, rather than military might alone.

This, if anything, is an insult to soldiers who have fought, especially now, amid war, to ensure the safety of Israel's citizens, secular and ultra-Orthodox alike.

We do not presume to know the will of God, but neither should Yosef, especially when it comes to the protection of our sacred land.

The spiritual contributions of haredim

Yosef also questioned the secular community's appreciation for the spiritual contributions to national security, highlighting the perceived undervaluation of the yeshivas and kollels.

He suggested, as many men of faith have before him, that Israel's value is derived solely from their faith, completely negating any virtues beyond of Judaism, whether directly in defense of the state or by character alone.

Yosef's comments echo sentiments previously expressed within the haredi community by his late father, former chief rabbi Ovadia Yosef, suggesting in 2013 that haredim might leave if compelled to serve.

This occurred in the context of an ongoing debate about conscription, a divisive issue in Israeli society.In late February, the High Court of Justice issued conditional orders challenging the government's policies on drafting haredi religious students.

The orders demand that the government annul by March 24 a decision not to enlist yeshiva students, until a new law was enacted by March 31. Additionally, on March 24, the government must explain its failure to recruit students.The court further demands an explanation by March 31 for the Education...