5 Responses

1. If they are in a yeshiva, they should be protected, so they are not at risk. I am sure there are talmidei chachamim who will teach them Torah for free, not sure why we need government funds.

2. “intended to keep alienated youth as part of Chareidi society.”

   That means to be part of chareidi society is like being part of a crime family

3. AAQ – The money is not for teaching them Torah. These are teenagers with learning disabilities, ADHD, etc., who cannot function in a regular Yeshiva (or even a regular high school for that matter.) The mosdos in question provide them with a more laid-back atmosphere with individual attention, recreational options, and vocational training suited to their abilities. There is also guidance and support provided by specially trained staff. All of these things cost a lot of money. Ask anyone who was ever involved in such programs. The Israeli government gives out large amounts of money to these types of programs in all sectors of society, including Chareidim. Almost everyone I know who works or teaches in these types of mosdos are very special people who do this really לשם שמים. No one is getting rich from this. These kids are most certainly at risk, ברוחניות ובגשמיות, if left without suitable programs within the Chareidi world.

4. The ‘illustration’ is also misleading. These are not regular Yeshivos, and they don’t typically look like regular Yeshivos. This is an act of רשעות לשמה to hit a weak and vulnerable population – ויזנב בך כל הנחשלים אחריך. They would rather see these kids fall apart and end up on the street ח״ו, than to see them live a normal life “as part of Chareidi society.”

5. Ironically, there are not a small number of Chilonim/Masortim with special needs kids in Israel, who put them in programs more religious than they are, because they believe they will get better care or have a better outcome that way…