I first became aware of the resentment by somewhat secular Israelis of the exemption for the ultra-orthodox men from military service about 25 years ago. Ayoung Israeli woman was staying with a close friend of mine in L.A. for a few days just after finishing her service. To paraphrase her, “if they love Israel so much, why won’t they fight for it? Israel didn’t win any battles just because they were praying.” Are they a higher caste of Israelis who expect others to fight battles on their behalf? Terrible for continued social cohesion.
It's a huge issue. I'm not sure I'd put it in terms of caste - but the end result is that the ultra orthodox, imo, have managed to turn themselves into a community with special privileges. They have misrepresented the religion in doing so as well. Never in history and nowhere else in the world do Jewish people demand that they be supported by the government to allow them to pray and study full time. It is a power play deeply rooted in domestic politics but the country can no longer sustain the burden.
100%. But the Netanyahu of today is next level. We are in an existential war at the moment and he focuses on pandering to 15% of the population. It's wrong. Immoral. And represents a significant threat to Israel. Ya'akov and I will discuss this issue in a podcast coming in the next few days.
It's a huge issue. I'm not sure I'd put it in terms of caste - but the end result is that the ultra orthodox, imo, have managed to turn themselves into a community with special privileges. They have misrepresented the religion in doing so as well. Never in history and nowhere else in the world do Jewish people demand that they be supported by the government to allow them to pray and study full time. It is a power play deeply rooted in domestic politics but the country can no longer sustain the burden.
I think it's a wake up call for all - in Toronto and elsewhere. Toronto has a uniquely passive culture, imo.....many historical reasons for that. And it's not just about liberal secular Toronto Jews. The pro Hamas mob doesn't distinguish. And once they're done with the Jews they'll move on to other Canadians. It's a problem.
Thanks, Dave! It's crazy. As soon as I arrived here I got whacked with a brutal cold/flu. But it really is OK. I am in a place of spectacular beauty and have the fresh, cool mountain air I came for. I have a pod coming today with Jonathan Conricus. Ya'akov in the next day or two. I'm not letting him off the hook!
I first became aware of the resentment by somewhat secular Israelis of the exemption for the ultra-orthodox men from military service about 25 years ago. Ayoung Israeli woman was staying with a close friend of mine in L.A. for a few days just after finishing her service. To paraphrase her, “if they love Israel so much, why won’t they fight for it? Israel didn’t win any battles just because they were praying.” Are they a higher caste of Israelis who expect others to fight battles on their behalf? Terrible for continued social cohesion.
It's a huge issue. I'm not sure I'd put it in terms of caste - but the end result is that the ultra orthodox, imo, have managed to turn themselves into a community with special privileges. They have misrepresented the religion in doing so as well. Never in history and nowhere else in the world do Jewish people demand that they be supported by the government to allow them to pray and study full time. It is a power play deeply rooted in domestic politics but the country can no longer sustain the burden.
Netanyahu hates the Haredi but has always needed them in his coalitions.
100%. But the Netanyahu of today is next level. We are in an existential war at the moment and he focuses on pandering to 15% of the population. It's wrong. Immoral. And represents a significant threat to Israel. Ya'akov and I will discuss this issue in a podcast coming in the next few days.
It's a huge issue. I'm not sure I'd put it in terms of caste - but the end result is that the ultra orthodox, imo, have managed to turn themselves into a community with special privileges. They have misrepresented the religion in doing so as well. Never in history and nowhere else in the world do Jewish people demand that they be supported by the government to allow them to pray and study full time. It is a power play deeply rooted in domestic politics but the country can no longer sustain the burden.
Take care of yourself, we need your anlways incisive reporting!
Thanks, Donna!
Vivian,
With or without us, tomorrow will be.
Relax, recover, return.
Thanks, Bob.
Hamas does Hamas wherever in the world. Savages.
Agree. The real question is - why the west panders to Hamas, Hizballah and Iran.
A wake-up call for liberal secular Toronto Jews? Or is that impossible.
I think it's a wake up call for all - in Toronto and elsewhere. Toronto has a uniquely passive culture, imo.....many historical reasons for that. And it's not just about liberal secular Toronto Jews. The pro Hamas mob doesn't distinguish. And once they're done with the Jews they'll move on to other Canadians. It's a problem.
You and Ya’akov are a great team. You’re no slouch as a solo act. Have a nice decompression
Thanks, Dave! It's crazy. As soon as I arrived here I got whacked with a brutal cold/flu. But it really is OK. I am in a place of spectacular beauty and have the fresh, cool mountain air I came for. I have a pod coming today with Jonathan Conricus. Ya'akov in the next day or two. I'm not letting him off the hook!