I was quite pleased to see much content in the July 20 issue of The Jewish Week regarding haredi service in Israel (Gary Rosenblatt’s column, Nessa Rapoport’s op-ed and Stewart Ain’s news report).
Indeed, all residents of Israel, regardless of religious status, must be expected to perform their duty to the State of Israel. I applaud those religious students that participate in Sherut Leumi [national service] in lieu of army service.
Young men studying in rabbinical colleges must recognize that they are living off the land without contributing to the good of the land. Is this not a parasitic relationship? The hesder yeshivot [in which participants combine religious study with army service] have the right idea.
American parents sending their teens to spend a year or two in Israel should chose an academic program that fosters either military or civic service to show their true support of the land of our people. I vote for symbiotic, not parasitic, living.
Oceanside, L.I.
The New York Jewish Week brings you the stories behind the headlines, keeping you connected to Jewish life in New York. Help sustain the reporting you trust by donating today.
