Ep 27- Nov 14, 2024: The UltraOrthdox and the IDF

Elliot sits down with Yisrael Ne'eman of Ne'eman Academy to unpack one of Israel's most contentious issues: military service in the ultra-orthodox community.

 

Ne'eman explains how the exemption of religious scholars from military service has become a flashpoint between ultra-orthodox and national religious groups. The conversation reveals how ultra-orthodox leaders view Torah study as spiritual protection for Israel, while also fearing that military service could expose their community to secular influences and weaken their cultural autonomy. Particularly fascinating is the discussion of political figures like Smotrich, who must navigate between religious traditionalism and modern state requirements. The episode concludes by examining how this debate may reshape Israel's religious and political landscape in the years ahead.