Who are the Haredim in Israel and what are their demands?
Al Jazeera
The military’s moves to conscript ultra-Orthodox Jews has led to protests and anger among the religious community.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews have been protesting in Israel, unhappy with the idea of being drafted into the army.
In recent days, groups of Haredi men have clashed with police during protests against the removal of their exemption from compulsory military service, and anger has even turned towards their own representatives in the Israeli parliament. On Sunday, a group attacked the head of the United Torah Judaism party’s car.
In a country with compulsory military service, why are the ultra-Orthodox exempt, and why are they so angry at attempts to change that?
The Haredim (Haredi in the singular) is the Hebrew term for ultra-Orthodox Jews. They are the most strictly observant sect of Judaism, segregating themselves from society to devote themselves to prayer and worship.
They have a distinctive dress, with women wearing long, modest garments and head coverings and men in black suits or overcoats and large fur hats.
