Rebdoniel – yes, without a doubt I agree with your comment about the hesder yeshivot. They learn tremendous amounts of Torah. My 3rd paragraph above was just to say that “even” people who appear non-religious here also are known to learn Torah. Of course it’s not on the same level as the hesder or chareidi yeshivot but then, we’re not to judge who’s learning is doing a better job at keeping us safe – only Hashem decides that.
Litvishe Kiryas Yoelite – saying that the government willingly gave the money is not the whole truth. Firstly, the government gives the $$ because the chareidi parties strong-armed them into it. Secondly, the people paying the taxes don’t agree – as can clearly be seen by the recent voting. Thirdly, the initial argument made by shoe store assistant above is that the current situation in Israel is comparable to the story of R’ Yitzchok Elchonon. However, that story explains that both sides fully agreed and R’ Yitzchok Elchonon kept his part of the bargain by learning b’zchut his F.I.L. In contrast, the chareidi mosdot routinely shun the government, the medinah and the soldiers. They don’t make efforts to do anything b’zchut the soldiers – even something simple like saying a mi sheberach for the safety of the soldiers protecting them as they learn! Let’s be crystal clear – I’m not talking about a mi sheberach for the medinah of Israel (chos v’shalom, lo aleinu) – I’m referring to davening a simple mi sheberach specifically for the safety of the foot soldiers who are actually defending us. That’s NOT the government. They won’t even say the words, forget about what’s truly inside their hearts as they’re learning! Simply put, they don’t keep their part of the “partnership” because they don’t see it as a partnership at all – they’re taking money from the Jewish people here (via the government) against their will without sharing their learning z’chuyot with their soldier counterparts – and that, my friend, is gezel.