The inequality between the ultra-Orthodox and other parts of Israeli society | DW News

Summary

The video discusses the ongoing protests in Israel, which began due to the government's judicial reforms and have expanded to address inequalities between the ultra-Orthodox and secular segments of society. The ultra-Orthodox community, which makes up over 13% of the population, is exempt from compulsory military service and receives significant government funding despite contributing less to the workforce and taxes. This disparity has caused tension, with secular Israelis demanding change. While some in the ultra-Orthodox community support integration, deep divisions remain, and the path to resolving these issues may be long and difficult.

Takeaways

• 📅 The protests in Israel have been ongoing for six months, initially focused on judicial reforms but now addressing broader social issues.
• ⚖️ One key issue fueling the protests is the inequality between ultra-Orthodox and non-Orthodox segments of society.
• 👨‍🎓 Ultra-Orthodox men who study in religious schools are exempt from compulsory military service, which has caused tension.
• 💼 Only around half of ultra-Orthodox men work in official jobs, which contributes to societal disparities.
• 💰 Despite contributing fewer taxes, the ultra-Orthodox community often receives more government support due to lower incomes.
• 💸 A recent budget allocated billions of shekels to the ultra-Orthodox community, sparking further outcry from secular Israelis.
• 📊 The ultra-Orthodox population is projected to rise from 13% to over 30% by 2065, exacerbating the tax and military service imbalance.
• 🎓 Most ultra-Orthodox men do not study mainstream subjects like math or science, further isolating them from broader Israeli society.
• 🪖 Some ultra-Orthodox, like Yossi Levy, advocate for more integration, and there are growing numbers of Haredi soldiers in the Israeli army.
• 🤝 Yossi Levy emphasizes that integration is a slow process that requires mutual understanding between secular and ultra-Orthodox communities.

Q & A

What is the main cause of the protests in Israel mentioned in the transcript?

The main cause of the protests is the Israeli government's plan for judicial reforms, which has sparked unrest for six months. The protests have broadened to include other issues, such as inequalities between the Ultra-Orthodox and non-Orthodox parts of society.

What specific inequalities between Ultra-Orthodox and non-Orthodox communities are highlighted in the protests?

The inequalities highlighted include the exemption of Ultra-Orthodox men from military service, their lower participation in the workforce, their contribution of fewer taxes, and their entitlement to more state support due to low income.

Why is there frustration among secular Israelis regarding the government budget allocation to the Ultra-Orthodox community?

Secular Israelis are frustrated because the recent government budget allocated billions of shekels in extra funding to the Ultra-Orthodox community, despite their lower participation in the workforce and military, leading to a sense of an unfair tax burden on the secular population.

How much of Israel's population is currently made up of the Ultra-Orthodox, and what is the projected growth?

The Ultra-Orthodox, or Haredim, currently make up just over 13% of Israel's population. Government projections suggest this could rise to more than 30% by 2065.

How does the workforce participation of Ultra-Orthodox men compare to the general population?

Around 50% of Ultra-Orthodox men participate in the workforce, compared to about 80% in the general population.

What are the educational differences between Ultra-Orthodox and secular Israelis?

The vast majority of Ultra-Orthodox men do not study mainstream subjects like mathematics or science, which limits their integration into the general workforce.

What is the historical background of Ultra-Orthodox military service exemptions in Israel?

Since Israel's foundation in 1948, the Ultra-Orthodox community has enjoyed effective exemption from the country's compulsory military service.

What is Yossi Levy’s stance on the integration of the Ultra-Orthodox community into Israeli society?

Yossi Levy, an Ultra-Orthodox man, believes the Haredim should be more involved in Israeli society. He runs a group aiming to build bridges with secular society, but argues that integration must be gradual, step by step, to avoid opposition and hostility.

How many Ultra-Orthodox soldiers are currently in the Israeli military?

Currently, there are more than 3,000 Ultra-Orthodox soldiers in the Israeli military, although this is considered insufficient by some for full integration.

What does Yossi Levy suggest is needed for improved relations between Ultra-Orthodox and secular communities?

Levy suggests that overcoming the division requires a two-way street, where both sides are open to understanding each other's values. He believes that if secular society accepts some of the values of the Haredi community, it could lead to more openness and integration.