Q&A: Between Haredim and Hardalim
Between Haredim and Hardalim
Question
I understood from your words that in your view the difference between the Hardalim and the Haredim is only their attitude toward the state, which is expressed only symbolically, for example saying Hallel on Independence Day, and that this has no practical implications.
But it seems, on the contrary, that most of the practical political disputes depend on this issue. Military enlistment, the importance of victory in wars, attitude toward the Land of Israel, collective versus individual (for example in the hostage issue), the judicial system…
Answer
There are many differences between any two people and any two groups. The question is which of them is essential and which is connected to the parameter you are examining.
I have explained more than once that the argument over enlistment is not connected to Zionism in any way. It is connected to separatism and opposition to modernity (which will come if there is mixing with others). In addition, I remind you of the enthusiastic support of the Hardalim for the Haredim’s recent demonstration over enlistment.
I did not understand what dispute there is regarding the importance of victory. Is there anyone who thinks it is not important to win?
As for the attitude toward the Land of Israel, I also do not see a difference. There is a Religious Zionist left that is to the left of the Haredim. On the other hand, they support the government’s current steps if they receive the money they need. The same goes for the judicial system. The Haredim and the Hardalim are really exactly the same. Collective versus individual (hostages and the like) is indeed a parameter that distinguishes them, and I wrote about that not long ago.
Discussion on Answer
I wrote that there are differences. They are marginal. There are also differences between Belz and Vizhnitz. And Chabad is in fact strongly right-wing. My claim is that the religious outlook of the two groups is similar, and in practical day-to-day life there is no essential difference between them. The question of whether our soldiers are sacred is an insignificant anecdote. The fact is that these groups have been operating in great symbiosis in recent years, despite those differences.
But at the end of the day, the Hardalim (even when they oppose modernity) see the army as sacred, and are educated on the idea that today’s soldiers are the continuation of Joshua son of Nun and King David, whereas the Haredim see the army as a neutral body at best. That seems like a pretty significant difference. Do you think the Haredim care about what happens in Gaza (and the like) on the same level that the Hardalim care? Or even close to that? The religious left are usually people at the opposite end from the Hardalim I’m talking about, so they are less relevant to the comparison between Haredim and Hardalim. Regarding the Land of Israel, the Hardalim are the ones who fought against Oslo and the disengagement, whereas the Shas party helped pass the Oslo Accords. And in general, the Haredim do not care about the Land of Israel (at least not really care); they care about Bnei Brak.