Do Charedim have Hakaras HaTov for those that do serve?
Yes, the Charedi world absolutely believes in and expresses Hakaras HaTov — deep gratitude — for those who serve in the IDF to protect Am Yisrael.
Torah Requires Gratitude
In Parashas Haazinu, the Torah warns:
“Vatishkach Kel meyolchalecha” – “You forgot the G-d Who birthed you” (Devarim 32:18).
Chazal explain that ingratitude is one of the roots of spiritual downfall. From a Torah perspective, anyone who benefits from another is obligated in hakaras hatov. This includes soldiers who put themselves in danger to protect the Jewish People — even if we have disagreements about ideology, halacha, or policy.
The Chazon Ish zt”l emphasized that recognizing good in others is a sign of gadlus ha’adam.²
Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l – “They Are Mesiras Nefesh”
Rav Aharon Leib, while strongly opposing army conscription for yeshiva bochurim, was known to say:
“They are giving their lives for Klal Yisrael. We don’t follow their ways, but we owe them appreciation.”
He once told a group of askanim that just as we should never compromise Torah, we also must never speak negatively about those risking themselves for the nation.³
Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l – Appreciate Without Approving
Rav Moshe ruled that we cannot compromise Torah or halacha for unity. But at the same time, he held that we must appreciate the good others do — even if their path is not our own.
He wrote:
*“One who protects the Jewish People deserves gratitude — and at the same time, we must daven they return to full Torah observance.”*⁴
Rebbe Shlomo Halberstam zt”l (Bobov Rebbe) – Honor the Individual
While opposed to secular Zionist ideology, the Bobover Rebbe once invited a wounded soldier to his tish and gave him kavod. When asked why, he said:
“He is a Jewish neshamah who has suffered. That alone deserves honor.”
Chacham Ovadia Yosef zt”l – Blessing for Soldiers
Chacham Ovadia regularly said the Mi Shebeirach for soldiers in his shul and expressed thanks to Hashem for their bravery, especially in defending against terror.
He famously said:
*“Whoever saves a Jewish life, even one life, has fulfilled a great mitzvah — and we should thank them, even as we guide them closer to Torah.”*⁵
So Why the Tension?
While the Charedi world does not support mandatory conscription, and while it sees many ideological and halachic problems in trying to integrate Torah Jews into a secular army structure — none of that negates the hakaras hatov for those who serve.
Disagreeing with a system is not the same as hating the individual.
A father can disagree with his son’s choices and still love him. A Rebbi can oppose a student’s decisions and still cry for him at night.
So too, the Charedi world can oppose secular military ideology, yet still cry for every soldier lost, daven for their safety, and respect those who serve with mesiras nefesh.
Stories of Quiet Gratitude
- In Bnei Brak, a group of yeshiva boys quietly organized a daily Tehillim group during Operation Guardian of the Walls. Their leader said, “We’re not here to make noise. We’re here because our brothers are in danger.”
- In Yerushalayim, a Charedi woman anonymously donated hundreds of baked goods to a nearby army base before Purim. The only note she left: “From your sisters in Meah Shearim.”
Conclusion
Yes, the Charedi world has hakaras hatov — sincere, heartfelt gratitude — for those who serve. It is not expressed through political slogans or public rallies. It’s expressed in Tehillim, in tears, and in the quiet, humble way of a Torah Jew.
Because even when paths differ, a Yiddishe neshama is never a stranger.
Footnotes & Sources
- Devarim 32:18; Rashi and Sforno on the importance of gratitude in spiritual life.
- Emunah U’Bitachon, Chazon Ish, on the middah of hakaras hatov.
- Pe’er Hador, Vol. 2 – Stories and teachings from Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman.
- Igros Moshe, Yoreh De’ah 4:38.
- Chacham Ovadia’s derashos in Yechaveh Daas Vol. 5 and live recordings during the Gulf War.