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.
Army Service & National Defense
Here we examine the Charedi position on military service, national security, and the nature of true protection for the Jewish People. The section addresses the value of spiritual vs. physical defense and why Torah learning is not an exemption but a different kind of service.
Do Charedim Think Their Lives Are Worth More Than Those Who Serve?
There is no idea more false—or more painful—than the accusation that the Charedi world thinks their lives are more valuable than the lives of soldiers who risk everything for Am Yisrael.
More Stories & Testimonies: When the System Fails Our Youth
‘I thought I’d be around other Charedim. But it was all a façade. The commanders hated Torah. The guys mocked mitzvos. I didn’t have the strength to resist.’
But What About Charedim Who Can’t Learn Full-Time—Shouldn’t They Go to the Army?
“If the mitzvah of learning Torah full-time isn’t for everyone, and there are Charedim who aren’t learning seriously or at all, why shouldn’t they go to the army?”
Does Hesder Yeshiva Prove That You Can Both Learn and Serve in the Army?
From the Charedi Torah perspective, there are fundamental concerns—both spiritual and halachic—that cannot be overlooked.
Are Charedim Really Needed in the Army?
Every year, approximately 50,000–55,000 Jewish males become eligible for enlistment in the IDF. Of that number, only about 30,000–32,000 actually enlist. That means between 18,000–20,000 Jewish men do not serve in the army each year.
Is It True That the Secular Establishment Wants to Assimilate Charedim Through the Draft?
Yes—this concern is not just voiced by Gedolim; it has been openly stated by secular political figures and analysts who see conscription as a path toward social integration and cultural homogenization.
What Do the Gedolim Say About the Government’s Efforts to Force the Draft?
For the Charedi world, it is not just a political dispute—it is a gezeiras shmad, a decree aimed at uprooting Torah from Klal Yisrael.
Why Does the Charedi World Frown on “Charedi” IDF Programs?
At first glance, programs like Netzach Yehuda (Nachal Charedi) or Shachar seem like reasonable compromises.
Why Don’t Charedim Serve in the IDF?
This is one of the most controversial and emotionally charged topics in Israeli society. Many people—especially secular Jews—look at Charedim and ask: Why don’t you serve?