Haredi Jews, or Ultra-Orthodox Jews, refers to a socio-religious demographic of Jewish people that follow strict interpretations of Torah, halachah (Jewish traditions) and rabbinical decrees.
Haredi Jews are not a monolithic group, and have many ideological beliefs and differences sect to sect. Some characteristics that are often shared are cultural. Haredi Jews often wear old shtetl-style black and white clothing with distinct hats, have large families with a focus on the family unit, and live in neighbourhoods with predominantly Haredi families.
Ideologically, haredi Jews vary on zionism, but often believe in separation of genders in public spaces, are against public life and works on shabbat, and are often antagonistic to many manifestations of technology. Haredi youth are expected to learn Jewish scriptures in Yeshivas until they are married.
There are about 1.8 million haredi Jews in the world, many living in Europe, the United States, and Israel. In Israel Haredim make up about 12% of the population. There are haredi parties in the Israeli Knesset, such as Shas, United Torah Judaism, Noam, and Yachad.
One conflict between haredi Jews and other cleavages in Israeli society is military service. In the past there have been protests against the conscription of haredi men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Laws have previously been passed to compromise and preclude haredi men from conscription. Another point of contention has in the past been haredi representation in the workforce, but the number of haredi Jews integrating into the workforce has been increasing.
The tragedy is that ultimately, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lied to himself. Netanyahu, the conservative political realist, has entered into a phase of delusional fantasy.
"But honestly, we aren't able to serve in the military. Because, without Torah, a Jewish community would not exist," he said. "And I believe that Torah protects us even more than the military."
Arbel added that there were 1,500 men in every haredi age-group who could be drafted immediately, and "who must be part of those carrying the burden."
Author Yoel Cohen draws upon surveys of Israeli rabbis about attitudes toward, and usage of, information and media, in particular new media.
Yoav Galant announced joint cooperation between the IDF and the defense ministry to enlist haredi men.
As of April 1, some 66,000 haredim from 18-26 can -- at least technically -- be drafted into the army.
Smotrich's criticism was directed at Baharav-Miara refusal last week to support a government decision on haredi draft exemption.
With Netanyahu famous for pushing off decisions, expect Israel to try to reach an agreement with the bare minimum of haredi commitment.
Jerusalem court opts for police officers to face fines and and community service instead, despite victim's rights violation concerns.
Against the ongoing controversies surrounding it, hundreds of activists have arrived today in the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem.
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