A Missing Voice

Since last summer’s tent city protests in Israel, there has been a great deal of public debate about the public subsidy for Yeshiva studies, coupled with its exemption from Israel’s Universal Draft, used almost entirely by Haredi Jews.  This topic was taken up by the Israel Courts, who found the current system unacceptable.  It was a major driving force behind the formation and downfall of the Coalition Government with Kadima.  President Emeritus of the URJ, Rabbi Eric Yoffie, wrote on this topic for The Jerusalem Post. He shares some important history and asks about a missing voice in the public conversation.