United Hatzalah president suggests mandatory national service as alternative to IDF for ultra-Orthodox men
The founder and president of United Hatzalah, an emergency rescue and medical services (EMS) organization in Israel, suggested that ultra-Orthodox men be required to perform national civil service as an alternative to serving in the Israeli military.
In Israeli High Court ruling last week, the judges unanimously decided that the State of Israel can no longer legally exempt ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men who are studying in religious schools from being drafted for army service.
The head of United Hatzalah, Eli Beer, noted that ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men have already been playing important roles as paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) across Israel. He suggested a framework of two to three years of mandatory national service in civil organizations to replace the military draft.
“I have seen a rise in Haredi enlistment, especially since October 7th. Many young Orthodox men have stepped up to serve their country following the Hamas attack,” Beer said, arguing that civil service would enable ultra-Orthodox men to serve their country while simultaneously preserving their unique religious lifestyle.
Beer's proposal is a response to the controversial IDF Draft Law, in which the Israeli Supreme Court not only ordered the recruitment of ultra-Orthodox men but also ordered to no longer provide state funding for students aged 18 or more who study at religious schools and do not serve in the military. The ruling is expected to have dramatic consequences for the country, as up to 67,000 Haredi young men are now potentially eligible to be called up for service.
Military service has been mandatory for all eligible Israeli citizens from the age of 18, except members of the ultra-Orthodox community who, until now, were exempted due to their religious observance and unique lifestyle requirements.
The situation has long created tensions within Israeli society, as only a small minority of eligible ultra-Orthodox men currently serve in the Israel Defense Forces.
However, as Israel's war against the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza continues, and the threat of an all-out war with Hezbollah forces in the north being discussed, there is a growing demand for ultra-Orthodox Jews to share the national burden of defending the Jewish state.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
