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

The ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) community in Israel, which has grown from 2% to 13% of the population in 60 years and is projected to reach 20-30% within a generation, faces critical challenges regarding economic self-sufficiency and national service. The author argues that the community can no longer remain on the margins, as many families struggle financially due to a lack of secular education and vocational training. Efforts to establish vocational complexes are often stalled by militant elements, and political leaders are accused of actively obstructing educational reforms that would include English and math.

“I'll come to your house, and I'll drop a torpedo on it,”

one leader reportedly threatened administrators. Furthermore, despite the existence of 14 Haredi hesder yeshivot that combine Torah study with military service, these programs receive little government support and are reportedly treated with contempt by Haredi politicians whose primary goal is to prevent Haredi enlistment. The author, chairman of the Haredi Public Party, calls for honest leadership to address these issues, advocating for genuine Torah study, expanded educational options, dignified employment, and appropriate national service to ensure the community's and the country's future.