Haredi Fundamentalism in the State of Israel

Abstract

Since its establishment in 1948, the State of Israel, which defines itself as Jewish-nation state, has been providing Haredi Jewry, also known as ultra-Orthodoxy, with a vast autonomy in education, enabling the development of a Jewish “Society of Learning Men.”This goes back to the Status quo regulations, which blocks the separation of state and religion in the country. In this framework, Haredi Jewry, which was nearly extinct after the Shoah, has developed into a striving and confident fundamentalist religious Jewish movement. At the same time, it has become the demographically most dynamic Jewish current. The influence of Haredi Jewry in Israel is crucial, for its leadership and its members do consider their isolationist, counter-acculturative, anti-modern moulding as the only authentic and “pure” form of Judaism, and they actively combat liberal Jewish interpretations or denominations.In this paper, a discussion about the definition of Haredism as fundamentalism will be provided. Furthermore, it will be argued that through the basic requirement of the Status quo between State and Jewish (orthodox) religion, the Haredi society’s attempt to organize itself as a cultural and communal autonomy has been highly successful also against the background of the societal restrictions of this effort given the dependant relationship that has developed between the Haredi community and general Israeli society. As illustrations for this case study, the educational autonomy, the Haredi judicial power over Jewish and non-Jewish citizens and the struggle over the Shabbat regulations will be examined.

Reform Imperatives for Israel’s Future: Balancing Haredi Growth and the Nation’s Democratic Liberal Foundations

“…One potential outcome of the widening gap between fundamentalist and Western values is a polarization of Israeli society, with the ultra-Orthodox community becoming more insular and resistant to change. This, in turn, could lead to increased social unrest and tensions between different population segments, potentially destabilizing the country and hindering its progress in various sectors, including education, economic development, and national security (Dödtmann, 2022).…”

“…Addressing these issues requires a careful balance between respecting the cultural and religious autonomy of the Haredi community and safeguarding Israel's democratic, liberal foundations. Ensuring Israel maintains strong ties with its international allies while fostering social cohesion and integration at home is critical to its long-term security and stability (Dödtmann, 2022). In conclusion, the influence of the Haredi community on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the tension between fundamentalist traditions and Western values are critical factors shaping Israel's future.…”

“…They have also been granted minority rights concerning the state, often perceived as unfair in public discourse and increasingly leading to tensions with the rest of the population (Freund & Band-Winterstein, 2017, p. 46). Haredim attend their own religious schools; are exempt from compulsory military service; and, in the event of a dispute, are brought before private courts that judge according to Jewish religious law, the Halakha [הֲלָכָה] (Dödtmann, 2022, pp. 120–121).…”

“…From early childhood, he learns to read and devotes himself to the holy books of Judaism, which, in essence, do not change until death. The role of women in this ideology has a supportive character, which is limited to unpaid work in the household, child rearing, and—following the spirit of the time—increasingly also to jobs outside the community (Dödtmann, 2022, p. 139). Haredim marry relatively young—mostly in their early 20s and arranged by their parents—and divorce is uncommon for theological reasons (Friedman, 1991, p. III).…”

“…Addressing the Complex Intersection of Haredi Traditions and Western Norms: The discord between the fundamentalist traditions and values upheld by the Haredi community and the Western, liberal values and traditions poses a range of potential hazards. These dangers encompass the prospect of Israel’s increasing isolation, as its policies and actions, swayed by the ultra-Orthodox political representation, might (and already does) estrange its international allies, such as the United States, Germany, and others (Dödtmann, 2022).…”