What the Haredi Draft Crisis Says About Israel

Madlik Podcast – Disruptive Torah Thoughts on Judaism

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70,000 mothers are fighting for Israel's future - one draft notice at a time.

Mothers on the Front Line founder Agamit Gelb joins us to discuss the contentious issue of Haredi military service in Israel. We explore biblical parallels from Numbers, where Moses confronts tribes seeking exemption from conquest. The conversation delves into the social contract, national solidarity, and the unique perspective mothers bring to this debate. Agamit shares her organization's efforts to promote equality in service and challenge exemptions through legal and grassroots means. Agamit Gelb and her organization, Mothers on the Front Line, are at the forefront of this debate. Founded in April 2023, months before the October 7th attacks, this group of 70,000 mothers is fighting for equality in military service. But their mission goes beyond mere policy change—they're striving to redefine the very notion of national service and solidarity.

Key Takeaways

The issue of Haredi military service cuts to the core of Israeli society, affecting fairness and national unity
Biblical texts offer relevant insights on shared responsibility and leadership in times of national challenge
Mothers play a crucial role in shaping societal values and can be powerful agents for change

Timestamps

[00:00:00] – Introduction: The central issue of military service in Israel and its societal implications.
[00:01:45] – Guest Introduction: Agame Gelb and the founding of Mothers on the Front Line.
[00:04:55] – October 7th and the catalyst for mobilization of mothers across Israel.
[00:06:45] – The emotional and demographic power of Israeli mothers and national unity.
[00:10:40] – Inequality and the principle of service from the perspective of motherhood.
[00:12:30] – Legal petitions, community organizing, and educational programming.
[00:16:05] – Biblical context: Reuben and Gad's request and Moses’ moral leadership.
[00:21:15] – Rabbinic insights on morale, equality, and the impact of opt-outs.
[00:25:50] – The army’s evolving infrastructure for Haredi service and leadership resistance.
[00:30:15] – Final reflections: Love of country, courage, and the hope for democratic unity.

Links & Learnings

Safaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/663980

Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/

Link to Donate to Israeli Mother on the Frontline: https://pefisrael.org/charity/mothers-on-the-frontline/

Link to Imahot Bahazit: https://www.imahot.org/en

Link to Podcast: A mother's Journey to a Beret: https://open.spotify.com/show/6cmqoZdNZnt6lF7LaDLngW?si=cf43c1b1d3504b62(Hooky First Line)

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