Q&A: Haredim and the State
Haredim and the State
Question
Someone sent me a file with articles and the like by many great rabbis from the Haredi public, of blessed memory, about the Balfour Declaration and about the establishment of the State (see Da'at Torah), and it is very positive. What changed, and what happened, that today most Haredim hate the State and see it as something forbidden, etc.?
Answer
Obviously. There was also a public proclamation about “the beginning of the flowering of our redemption” for the elections.
Ask them.
Discussion on Answer
The Haredim do not hate the State; they actually love it very much. The Haredi public is far more right-wing and nationalistic than the Religious Zionist public.
They have simply gotten used to the fact that they do not need to contribute anything to it. So those among them who have good character traits join or establish a charitable organization. Those who have good character traits plus integrity and courage enlist in the army.
Interesting that the Haredim, who pretend not to change their position — “the new is forbidden by the Torah,” etc. etc. — change when it suits them…