I think it’s somewhat unfair to accuse the Chareidim of only looking out for “Chareidi interests” with out putting the whole topic it in some perspective. Just like Likud and Bayit Yehudi are focused primarily on security issues, Kulanu and Yesh Atid are focused almost exclusively on economic issues, Shas and UTJ are focused almost entirely on religious issues. (Although Shas does focus to some extent on social issues as well.) This includes not only funding for yeshivos, but greater adherence to shabbos (closing down stores and bus routes) and the halachos of geirus as well (which is fully supported by the Chief Rabbinate). Every party has a particular set of issues that is important to it and its voters – I don’t see why the Chareidi parties should be expected to be any different. Why is that when the Chareidim attempt to get more funds allocated towards strengthening the Yeshivos they are accused of only looking out for themselves, while when Bayi Yehudi trys to get more funding allocated towards strengthening the yishuvim it’s considered a legitimate national issue?
BarryLS1:
“While I do want Chareidim and Datiim both to have control of the religious needs of the Country, I have a problem with the way the Chareidim go about it. The overbearing approach, that has nothing to do with Halacha is a big problem that turns people away as opposed to drawing them near to Torah.”
Perhaps the key phrase is “that has nothing to do with Halacha”. When that is indeed true, I fully agree with you. However, I think that we may disagree on what the exact requirements of the Halacha are. The Chareidim are often (though admittedly and unfortunately not always) simply observing the Halacha as they see it.
“The administration nightmare that a Chiloni has to get married, without their having a Halachic barrier, is unnecessary.”
This is unfair. The administration nightmare that any Israeli has to go through to get anything done that has to be sanctioned by the government is ridiculous. It can literally take days to get the simplest forms and procedure completed. This is widespread problem, deeply rooted in Israeli government and society. You can’t blame this on the Chareidim.
akuperma:
“If one holds, following the views expressed in the ???? ???, which is how many if not most hareidim hold”
My best, although admittedly rough estimate puts the followers of Satmar in the US and the Badatz in EY at about 10-15% of the total Chareidi population. They are certainly nowhere near the majority.
assurnet:
“I think the Shas commercial with Deri campaigning the promise to take all the money away from the people who actually earn it and give it to whoever he thins deserves it more is disgusting”
Your issue apears to be more with socialism (which Shas, along with almost every Israeli party besides Likud, unabashedly espouse) than any issue directly related to the Chareidim.
Avi K:
We do not always hold like the Rambam. Does the Shulchan Oruch bring this down?