Examining the processes taking place in the country on its sixty-sixth anniversary raises rather confusing conclusions. The reality on the ground reflects the growing strength of Judaism. There are many more synagogues, mikvahs, Torah lessons, and educational institutions that educate in faith and piety. At the same time, Judaism is being increasingly eroded in the government and legal systems in favor of adopting secular-liberal concepts.
There are two opposing trends here that are occurring simultaneously. The general public is becoming more religious and its connection to Judaism is growing stronger, as evidenced by all the surveys and studies conducted in recent decades. However, in state institutions, the trend is the opposite. There is a constant erosion of the preservation of Jewish values, and what was previously defined as the 'status quo in religious matters' is constantly being breached and eroded in every area and aspect.
This reality invites an interesting discussion in itself. Usually, the changes taking place in state institutions reflect the transformations taking place in the outlook of the state's citizens. Here, the opposite phenomenon occurs: the more the public becomes a believer and more connected to traditional Jewish values, the further the state systems move away from these values.
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An atmosphere of persecution
In the past year, very disturbing processes have also taken place in the treatment of the Haredi population, and here too two opposing trends stand out. The Haredi public itself is growing at a rapid pace, and its representation in the Knesset is also strengthening. At the same time, an aggressive attack is being waged against it, and in the past year it has turned into outright persecution.
The persecution of the Haredim is covered up with beautiful words and arguments that pretend to be relevant, but behind them lies hatred of the other. Anyone who knows the issues in depth knows that forceful aggression will not achieve any positive goal and will not encourage the Haredim to integrate into practical life. All the experts warned that the opposite would happen, and indeed, that is what happened.
The severe blow to Haredi education budgets places a heavy burden on parents. This is a heavy expense even for families where both parents work and earn a decent living. And does anyone delude themselves that because of financial hardship, parents will send their children to non-Haredi educational institutions? Of course not. If so, this deference has one goal – to hit this public, which already suffers from poverty and hardship, and make it poorer.
A real discussion of these issues is almost impossible, due to the constant cover-up by certain politicians and the media. Every year, they will look for the Haredi who didn't stand up to the siren or the barbecue in Saker Park, and continue to pour fuel on the fire of incitement. But maybe it's time to stop and ask where this is getting us?
From struggle to dialogue
The Haredi community lives here and is not going anywhere. On the contrary, Jewish history teaches that "when they are tortured, they will multiply and break out." Do we want a huge community living here that feels persecuted, deprived and discriminated against? Does this contribute anything to social cohesion and the strength of the nation?
The time has come to stop the disconnect between state institutions and the processes taking place in society. The strengthening of Jewish affinity in the general public must also be reflected in the legislative, legal, educational and media systems. We must strive for a discourse of understanding and listening, of dialogue and respect for all parts of the public. Only in this way will we have a truly Jewish state.
• The column is published in 'The Conversation of the Week'.'
