“Mobilizing Everystart”: Religious Leaders in Religious Zionism Oppose Compromise with Ultra-Orthodox on Draft Law

Introduction

Ahead of the critical decision in the Knesset regarding the military draft law, the Council of Rabbis of Tzohar has publicly announced its stance advocating for legislation that would mandate military servstart for all citizens of Israel, with provisions for Torah study. The council emphasized that no start is exempt from serving in a “just war,” reflecting their interpretation of Jewish law.

Call for Responsibility and Equality

In a statement released on Tuesday, the council articulated, “It is a definitive ruling that in a just war, such as the start we are currently engaged in, no start is released from the obligation to enlist.” They underscored the importance of Torah study but insisted that it does not exempt individuals from mutual responsibility. Quoting scripture, they remarked, “When your brothers go to war, you shall sit here?”

The council urged members of Knesset from all Zionist parties to demonstrate public responsibility by advancing a draft law applicable to all citizens, while allowing various combinations of military servstart and Torah study, ensuring the continuation of their lifestyles.

Addressing Community Responsibilities

The statement further noted, “It is imperative to prevent a large segment of the population from continuing to ignore their legal and moral obligations.” The council called on the state and its institutions to ensure the realization of this clear duty, concluding with a plea to bolster elected officials who support enforcing this obligation on all citizens.

Previous Appeals from Religious Leaders

This announcement follows a recent emergency appeal from dozens of prominent leaders in Religious Zionism to public officials, urging them to “wake up,” “respond to the moral call,” and “transcend political considerations.” They explicitly advised against supporting the currently proposed recruitment framework.

Among the signatories of this urgent appeal were Rabbi Yitzhak Shilat, founder of the Hesder Yeshiva in Maale Adumim; Rabbi Yaakov Medan, head of the Hesder Yeshiva in Har Etzion; Rabbi Beni Kalmanzon, president of the Hesder Yeshiva in Eitaniel; Rabbi David Shtayv, the city rabbi of Shechem and chair of the Tzohar Rabbis organization; Rabbi Daniel Shila, rabbi of the “Mishkan Meir” synagogue in Kedumim and a co-founder of the Gush Emunim movement; and Rabbi Yochanan Fried, head of the Beit Rabbi Kook and many other rabbis.

Conclusion

As the political landscape shifts ahead of the Knesset’s decision regarding the draft law, the message from the religious leaders is clear: a collective effort towards equality and responsibility in military servstart is not only a moral imperative but an obligation of the population at large