Playing By The Rules

The relationship between the State of Israel and its chareidi population has arguably never been as fragile as it is at present.

The pervasive tension in the media and on the streets is hard to ignore. Norms of engagement that have survived for 70 years since the State’s establishment seem on the verge of unraveling.

Moreover, this instability has strengthened the radical groups — both religious and secular — who oppose the status quo. Their growing power is manifested in recent violent incidents, and an incitement campaign being waged against the mainstream chareidi community from within and without. A prominent secular media outlet even called for a “secular intifada,” just one voice among many trying to exploit the situation to destroy any hope of coexistence.

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The moment that coronavirus appeared in our lives and threatened our familiar routine, it also laid bare a disturbing fact: the decision-makers in Israel’s government are ill-equipped to understand the chareidi sector and its unique needs.