“The debate over haredi (ultra-Orthodox) participation in Israeli society continues to focus firmly on the issue of military enlistment.

Divisions are sharp and the schism between the haredi community and mainstream Israel could widen before the sight of a haredi soldier becomes commonplace. All of which bodes ill for a far more significant reform in the offing.

Although it has slipped by relatively unnoticed, the groundwork is being laid to introduce a core curriculum in all state-funded schools, including haredi institutions.

This promises to be the single biggest catalyst toward haredi societal involvement, and is key to the future welfare of the State of Israel. For this crucial reform to succeed, everything must be done to avoid the bitterness which continues to accompany the overhaul of the military draft. Our mainstream political leaders must take note.”

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