Haredi Jews, or Ultra-Orthodox Jews, refers to a socio-religious demographic of Jewish people that follow strict interpretations of Torah, halachah (Jewish traditions) and rabbinical decrees.
Haredi Jews are not a monolithic group, and have many ideological beliefs and differences sect to sect. Some characteristics that are often shared are cultural. Haredi Jews often wear old shtetl-style black and white clothing with distinct hats, have large families with a focus on the family unit, and live in neighbourhoods with predominantly Haredi families.
Ideologically, haredi Jews vary on zionism, but often believe in separation of genders in public spaces, are against public life and works on shabbat, and are often antagonistic to many manifestations of technology. Haredi youth are expected to learn Jewish scriptures in Yeshivas until they are married.
There are about 1.8 million haredi Jews in the world, many living in Europe, the United States, and Israel. In Israel Haredim make up about 12% of the population. There are haredi parties in the Israeli Knesset, such as Shas, United Torah Judaism, Noam, and Yachad.
One conflict between haredi Jews and other cleavages in Israeli society is military service. In the past there have been protests against the conscription of haredi men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Laws have previously been passed to compromise and preclude haredi men from conscription. Another point of contention has in the past been haredi representation in the workforce, but the number of haredi Jews integrating into the workforce has been increasing.
Religion has been hijacked by cultists with long white beards in long black coats, and they have sullied it. Politics and religion simply shouldn’t mix; the result is a toxic mess.
In a heated confrontation in Jerusalem's Yaar Ramot neighborhood, Haredi extremists have launched a campaign against the Conservative synagogue, Kehilat Yaar Ramot.
After a 3 month extension of daycare subsidies were approved for Yeshiva students on Tuesday, Labor Minister Ben-Tzur said the decision will lead to 'total chaos,' and at least one year is required.
Neighborhood Corner: Founded after the Six Day War, Ramat Eshkol was intended to be one of the "hinge" neighborhoods connecting west Jerusalem with Mount Scopus.
Noisy public infighting usually develops into an attempt by parties to leverage their position to score political victories.
The IDF highlighted that many common hiking areas are out of the range of sirens and have weak cellphone connections, making it extremely difficult to know if there has been an attack.
Leading Ashkenazi haredi newspaper criticized Itamar Ben-Gvir for visiting the Temple Mount, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to act against him.
Israel's Education Minister plans to implement new regulations for major haredi school systems despite unresolved concerns from finance and justice ministries.
Haredi women's rights activist Tzippy Lavi, Head of Government Relations for Nivcharot condemned the letter on X, formerly Twitter.
Removing yeshiva studies from the list of occupations that qualify for daycare subsidies would require a number of software updates, according to Ben Tzur.
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