Rabbi David Stav takes issue with Haredi draft law case

The Tzohar movement manager is appalled at how, almost 3 years after the October 7, 2023 bloodbath, Haredi leaderships still refuse to support having their communities serve in the army:

Rabbi David Stav, chairman of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization and Chief Rabbi of the City of Shoham, sharply criticizes the Israeli government’s proposed legislation on the recruitment of haredi men into the Israel Defense Forces, calling the bill misleading, ineffective, and morally indefensible in the wake of Israel’s ongoing security challenges.

Speaking with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News, Rabbi Stav rejected claims that opposing the government’s proposal amounts to an attempt to topple the coalition. While acknowledging that political stability is a legitimate concern, he argued that the current legislation sacrifices fundamental values while pretending to achieve reform.

“It is a legitimate position to say: I want more haredim to serve, but I prioritize the survival of the government," Rabbi Stav said. “What is not legitimate is to present a bill as historic and transformative when everyone knows it will not draft anyone who does not already intend to enlist."

According to Rabbi Stav, the proposed law falsely promises the enlistment of tens of thousands of haredi men while quietly ensuring that no real change will take place. He accused politicians of privately admitting the bill’s ineffectiveness while publicly promoting it as a breakthrough.

“No one who does not intend to go to the army will go because of this bill," he said. “Everyone knows this."

Beyond political maneuvering, Rabbi Stav framed the issue as a matter of Torah values and social responsibility. He argued that Jewish law and ethics demand shared participation in defending the country, especially at a time when Israel faces prolonged military engagements and deep uncertainty.

“The Torah requires that each one of us serve," he said. “You are not allowed to abandon Torah values for the sake of political convenience."

And there is a biblical verse from Moses backing him up: Numbers 32:6. So how can these atrocious cultists of the Haredi community say they represent the Torah when they shun such points? It's just plain disgusting.