Why does the general public see these extremists on the news so often?
Every few months—sometimes even days—a shocking news story or video clip circulates online. A man with a long beard and black hat is yelling at a soldier. A group of boys is burning a flag. Another protest. Another viral moment.
To the average Israeli or Jew abroad, it may seem that these extremists are the Charedi community. After all, that’s what they see on the news.
But nothing could be further from the truth.
1. Because Extremism Sells
The media industry is not in the business of nuanced truth—it’s in the business of attention. And nothing grabs attention like drama.
“If it bleeds, it leads,” they say. In Israel, if it’s black-and-white and burning something—it leads even more.
A peaceful image of 800,000 Charedim going about their day—learning, working, raising families, doing acts of kindness—doesn’t make headlines.
But a handful of protestors lighting trash bins on fire? That’s front-page news.
Even secular journalists and editors have admitted that certain outlets cherry-pick images and quotes to inflame tension. That’s how the business works: outrage equals clicks, and controversy pays.
2. Because It Serves an Anti-Charedi Agenda
Beyond profits, there are ideological motives. Many in the media elite have deep resentment toward Torah values and the Charedi way of life. To them, the “black-hat world” is a threat to their vision of modern, secular Israel.
Painting the entire community as violent, irrational, or lawless is a powerful political weapon. It justifies attempts to limit religious freedom, cut funding to Torah institutions, or force changes in Charedi education.
Extremists are used as a blunt tool: a convenient way to “prove” that the whole Charedi lifestyle is extreme. But it’s dishonest, dangerous, and deeply unfair.
3. Because the Majority Stays Quiet
Most Charedim are busy with Torah, work, and family. We don’t organize press conferences or build PR firms. We don't spend our days online defending ourselves in comment sections. We believe in the power of quiet, consistent avodas Hashem—not public campaigns.
Unfortunately, this silence often allows others to define us. The tiny fringe becomes the perceived norm, simply because it’s loud, aggressive, and on camera.
But Gedolei Yisrael have made it clear:
“To insult police officers or soldiers is a chillul Hashem. Such actions are not daas Torah and not the derech of Yidden.”
— Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l (reported by those close to him during violent protests in Bnei Brak)
And the Bobover Rebbe, Rebbe Shlomo Halberstam zt”l, once said:
“Anyone who causes hatred of Torah Jews through foolish or aggressive actions must know he is held accountable for the consequences. You cannot serve Hashem by acting like a fool.”
4. What We Must Remember
- The media does not show the whole picture.
- Extremists do not represent the Charedi tzibbur.
- Charedim overwhelmingly reject violence, vandalism, and chilul Hashem.
- Those who claim to act “in the name of Torah” while causing harm are twisting Torah for their own purposes.
5. Let’s Be Clear: Charedim Are Not Apologists for Chillul Hashem
When someone violates Torah—whether by insulting a police officer, setting fire to a bus stop, or shouting vile slogans—we are not obligated to apologize for them just because they wear a black hat.
Just like no one expects every Dati Leumi Rav to condemn every extremist settler… just like no one expects every secular leader to condemn every protester who curses the Torah—we must stop expecting every Charedi Rav to denounce every isolated individual who dresses like a frum Jew but behaves against Torah.
“התורה עצמה מגנה את המעשים. מה עוד צריך לומר?”
“The Torah itself condemns the actions. What more is there to say?”
— Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l
Final Thought: Don’t Judge a World By Its Fringe
It’s easy to form opinions based on headlines. But the Torah way is to judge favorably, with truth and nuance. The Charedi community is not perfect—but it is overwhelmingly peaceful, deeply spiritual, and rooted in thousands of years of Torah life.
Don’t let a few burning dumpsters blind you to the light of hundreds of thousands of pure Jewish neshamas, living with faith, humility, and Ahavas Yisrael.
Sources:
- Sotah 49b – “בעקבתא דמשיחא חוצפה יסגא…”
- Devarim 28:37 – “ובכל הגוים אשר ינהג ה' אתכם שם…”
- Mishlei 11:12 – “בוזה רעהו חסר לב ואיש תבונות יחריש”
- Rambam, Hilchos Deos 5:13 – On the dangers of associating with fools or angry people
- Tzavaas HaRivash, Baal Shem Tov – Emphasis on quiet avodah over public confrontation
- Rav Chaim Kanievsky, quoted in Derech Emunah and by Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein
- Maamarim from the Bobover Rebbe, Divrei Shlomo, vol. 3
- Chazon Ish, Emunah U’Bitachon, ch. 3 – On acting without chillul Hashem