Israeli military exemption of Orthodox Jews expires

Basil El-Dabh
1 Min Read
Ultra-Orthodox Jews convene at a sports stadium in Jerusalem July 30, 2012, in a celebration marking the completion of a seven-and-a-half year daily study-cycle of the entire Babylonian Talmud.Tens of thousands of Jews worldwide take part in the 'Daf Yomi' project – literally a 'daily page' of study of the ancient text of Jews law and tradition, perhaps the most central composition of rabbinic literature.AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA
Ultra-Orthodox Jews convene at a sports stadium in Jerusalem July 30, 2012, in a celebration marking the completion of a seven-and-a-half year daily study-cycle of the entire Babylonian Talmud.Tens of thousands of Jews worldwide take part in the 'Daf Yomi' project – literally a 'daily page' of study of the ancient text of Jews law and tradition, perhaps the most central composition of rabbinic literature.AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA
Ultra-Orthodox Jews convene at a sports stadium in Jerusalem July 30, 2012, in a celebration marking the completion of a seven-and-a-half year daily study-cycle of the entire Babylonian Talmud.Tens of thousands of Jews worldwide take part in the ‘Daf Yomi’ project – literally a ‘daily page’ of study of the ancient text of Jews law and tradition, perhaps the most central composition of rabbinic literature.AFP PHOTO/MENAHEM KAHANA

Defence Minister Ehud Barak gave government officials one month to come to an agreement on how to enact the new draft procedure.

Orthodox Jews, have historically been exempt from serving in the Israeli military, a point of contention especially among secular Israelis who must serve.

Members of the Orthodox Jewish community have cited their religious devotion as their way of defending their country, but a Supreme Court ruling prohibiting blanket exemptions and the expiration of the current law will extend Israel’s compulsory military service to the ultra-Orthodox community. Orthodox Jews make up roughly 10 percent of Israel’s population.

 

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