Haredim In The Army

As Jews, we are obligated not merely to study Torah, but to live the moral
and ethical lessons contained therein. Our Tanach is replete with parables
from which we are to learn the imperative of righteous action. One example
is that we may not stand idly by while our fellow man is being attacked
because we have a duty […]

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As Jews, we are obligated not merely to study Torah, but to live the moral
and ethical lessons contained therein. Our Tanach is replete with parables
from which we are to learn the imperative of righteous action. One example
is that we may not stand idly by while our fellow man is being attacked
because we have a duty to protect our community. That said, the objection of
those Israeli Orthodox who refuse to serve in the military (with support from
their American counterparts), is extremely troubling. (“Haredim And The Draft,” Editorial, March 14)

Without denigrating
the customs or sensibilities of the ultra-religious, I believe that if you’re
not willing to defend a homeland that is forever fighting for its citizens’
security, then you are not entitled to the benefits of that security. To my
mind, it is a violation of the very laws that the Orthodox study so fervently: To bask in the safety that others risk — and all too often lose — their lives to
provide.

East Meadow, L.I.

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