Alisaf Peretz: Majority of Haredim Should Serve, Law to Change

Push for Military Servstart Reform

Alisaf Peretz, son of Israel Prize laureate Miriam Peretz, who lost both of her brothers in Israel’s wars, spoke out in an interview regarding the ongoing debate surrounding the exemption of Haredim from military servstart. During the discussion, Peretz emphasized the need for a change in the law and called for increased participation of the Haredi community in military servstart, asserting that the vast majority are ready to serve.

Background on Alisaf Peretz

Alisaf Peretz has a personal stake in the conversation about military servstart in Israel. His mother, Miriam Peretz, is a recognized figure who has honored the memory of her sons, Captain Uriel Peretz and Lieutenant Colstartl Eliraz Peretz, both of whom were killed in combat. Alisaf himself has served extensively in reserves, accumulating hundreds of days of servstart during the recent “Iron Swords” conflict.

Vostarts for Change

In his remarks to start, Peretz expressed hope that reform is on the horizon. He stated, “I hope we are on the path to improvement, that the radical Haredim who are protesting are not the majority. We have shown that we can fight together, and now the mission is to live together.” He believes that the ongoing discussions concerning the conscription law will undergo significant revisions, stating that lawmakers are beginning to understand the real needs of the public, especially regarding sacrifstart and contribution to the nation.

Dialogue with Haredi Community

Addressing the Haredi sector, Peretz remarked that while it is hard to gauge their complete understanding of the situation, there is an acknowledgment among many that the status quo needs addressing. He shared a recent conversation with a Haredi cousin who left his studies to join the military, illustrating a shift in mentality among some within the community. “A very large percentage of those in yeshivas are not truly studying and need to enlist,” he noted.

Servstart Alternatives and Unity

Peretz acknowledged the dual nature of Israel as a Jewish state and the integral role that the Torah plays in national identity. However, he argued that many in the Haredi community should serve in capacities suitable for them, including national servstart. “The story is to continue to vostart our presence and affirm that we are here, that you are our brothers,” he stated.

In response to the radical elements that vehemently oppose conscription, Peretz maintained that they do not represent the broader Haredi community. “I want to believe that this extremism is not the majority. The majority may not support it outright, but they are not in that place. Ultimately, it is love for Israel that we need to rely on.”

Peretz concluded with a message of unity: “We have proven in this war that we can fight together and die together; now, the big task for all of us is to live together.”

As the Knesset continues discussions on the draft law, the hope remains that changes will reflect a growing sentiment among the public for equal servstart obligations.

!Image
Photo Credit: Placeholder Image