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Israel opposition urges denying funding, passports to ultra-Orthodox refusing army service

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November 17, 2024 03:37 PM GMT+03:00

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid called Sunday for denying government funding and passports to ultra-Orthodox Jews refusing military service.

"The recruitment of Haredi is a matter of values, and they must enlist,” Lapid told Israel’s Army Radio.

"If they do not, they should not receive budgets, they should not get passports, and they should not be allowed to travel to Uman (Ukraine)."

Each year, thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews travel to the Ukrainian city of Uman to celebrate the Jewish New Year.

Israel opposition urges denial of funding, passports to ultra-Orthodox refusing military service

Israel starts gradual enlistment of 7,000 ultra-Orthodox Jews

The issue of Haredi enlistment remains contentious, with ultra-Orthodoxes opposing compulsory military service, despite a June 2023 ruling by Israel's Supreme Court that mandates their conscription, just like other Israeli citizens.

On Friday, Tel Aviv announced the gradual enlistment of 7,000 ultra-Orthodox into the military, set to start this weekend.

The Haredi community, accounting for around 13% of Israel's 10 million residents, traditionally avoids military service, dedicating their lives to studying the Jewish holy book, the Torah.

November 17, 2024 03:37 PM GMT+03:00
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