Ultra-religious and ultra-unsustainable

Written by Michelle Wright in News at December 28, 2010

In Israel, the population of the ultra-Orthodox is steadily growing; so much that by 2040 78 percent of primary school children will be either ultra-Orthodox or Arab. Even today, ultra-Orthodox schools have seen enrollment increase by 50 percent since just ten years ago. This is at issue because it may become a major detriment to the Israeli economy. In the haredi system, math and English are rarely taught as they are seen as secular topics, and most women do not work. Additionally, more than 60 percent of ultra-Orthodox men do not work, but receive welfare in order to study the Torah full-time, and this number is only increasing.

Clearly this is unsustainable, and some Israelis have started speaking out against it. Chaim Amsellam, a member of the ultra-Orthodox Shas Party, was kicked out of the party for saying that more of haredim men should be working. Mainstream Israelis have also begun to protest.

Historically, Israel has always given special status to this group, and little has been done to repeal any subsidies in fear of offense toward the ultra-religious. Some steps are slowly being taken, however, to encourage work and involvement in the military.

Source: NY Times