vashtischwartz: Just because Charlie Hall says something, doesn’t make it accurate. If someone is going off the derech, they will without the IDF, or it was just a handy excuse. You don’t see Hesder Yeshiva students going off the derech.
Many Chilonim have become Baalei Teshuva after interacting with Frum soldiers in the IDF. I bought something from a Chassidish guy in Meah Shearim (he lives there too) and he told me that he became a Baal Teshuvah because of the IDF.
The argument that you have to go to the IDF to work and that is the reason for poverty in the Chareidi community is false. They have the option of Sheirut Leumi, doing community service in their own neighborhoods and that gives people the same benefits as serving in the IDF. It’s just an excuse people give to avoid taking personal responsibility.
MK Gafne said, “If you work, you’re not a Chareidi.” Something is very wrong with that mentality. I grew up in the states and only made Aliyah 2 1/2 years ago. I grew up in BP and also lived in a very Frum community outside of NY consisting of Yeshivish and Chassidish people and Davened in a Chassidish Shteibel for almost 30 years, the equivalent of Chareidi in Israel. Everyone learned, but they also worked and supported their families. The arguments of blaming others is utter nonsense.