Israel's ultra-Orthodox community can no longer avoid the hard conversations - opinion

The ultra-Orthodox community in Israel, known as Haredim, has seen its population surge from 2% of the nation's total 60 years ago to around 13% today. This rapid growth is expected to continue, potentially reaching 20% or even 30% within a few generations. This demographic transformation necessitates that the Haredi community shift from being a marginal group reliant on others to become a central pillar of the country, shouldering economic, military, and civic responsibilities.

One of the most pressing issues facing the Haredi community is the financial strain on its families. With large families and expenses growing faster than income, many are finding daily survival to be an emergency. The educational system, while excelling in spiritual and intellectual development, has fallen short in teaching basic skills such as arithmetic and English, which are essential for earning a living in the modern economy.

Furthermore, a significant number of Haredi students who attempt post-secondary education often fail to complete it due to being unprepared, highlighting a structural failure within the system.

In Beit Shemesh, a city with a rapidly growing Haredi population, plans were underway to build a vocational training complex intended to provide real pathways to employment for its residents. However, the project stalled due to fears from militant elements within the community, who threatened to declare war on the project. This represents a broader pattern of opposition across Haredi cities whenever efforts are made to create employment opportunities.

Political leaders bear significant responsibility for the current state of affairs. A sitting party leader has been threatening institutions that seek to integrate educational networks within the Haredi community into a state-supported system with more comprehensive studies in English and math. This leader has threatened administrators with actions like dropping a "torpedo" on them, demonstrating a bullying mentality that has nothing to do with protecting Torah study.

Additionally, there are 18 Haredi Knesset members whose primary goal has been to prevent Haredi individuals from serving in the IDF, despite the community's availability as a significant manpower source.

In response to the October 7 attacks, which created a need for more combat soldiers and support roles, Haredi hesder yeshivas have emerged, combining Torah study with military service while maintaining kashrut, prayer, and ongoing study. These programs work well and serve thousands of participants. However, they receive little government funding, recognition, and are met with contempt by political leaders who claim to represent the Haredi public.

Despite the success of these programs, which could potentially expand to serve thousands of young men, there is no government support or institutional recognition, leaving the issue largely unaddressed.

When interviewed, Haredi political leaders often express a willingness to have members of their community serve in the IDF, but fail to take concrete steps to support their integration. This lack of action contrasts sharply with their public statements and creates a scandal. The gap between rhetoric and action, rather than any individual policy failure, is the true issue at hand.

The challenges facing the Haredi community are multifaceted, intertwining economic, educational, and military issues. The key question is whether Haredi leadership is willing to acknowledge their failures, take ownership of the future, and build practical solutions for their community's well-being. With the numbers, talent, and values to contribute positively to society, the Haredi community must move beyond hiding behind slogans to implement real solutions for their children, their community, and the country as a whole.