Israel’s Supreme Court has ruled that ultra-Orthodox Jews, who were previously exempt, must also perform military service. Their reaction? A visit to Jerusalem’s Orthodox quarter – with surprising findings.
In Mea-Shearim, the dress code is written on the stone walls: “Please do not enter our neighborhood in inappropriate clothing,” reads signs in the Jewish ultra-Orthodox quarter in Jerusalem. “Long sleeves, skirts,” the sign says, the sanctity of the place should not be disturbed. And if there is one thing that matters in Mea-Shearim, it is sanctity.
But this is now causing Israel’s Supreme Court to falter, or at least that is how some of the residents here see it. The court has decided that in future the army must also conscript ultra-Orthodox Jews who devote themselves to studying the Holy Scriptures. In Israel, men actually have to serve in the army for 36 months, women for 24.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
