IMRA Weekly Commentary..
19 July '12..
"He who is commanded and fulfills [the command], is greater than he who fulfills it though not commanded."
R. Hanina - Babylonian Talmud Kiddushin 31a
There is a very basic and fundamental difference between the “sacrifice” Israelis make who serve in the IDF and those who engage in other activity - no matter how noble the activity.
And that is the “sacrifice” of freedom by those who serve in the IDF.
A few simple contrasts:
A soldier who doesn’t show up at his base can end up in jail.
A yeshiva student who doesn’t show up at his yeshiva faces only whatever disciplinary measures the institution applies. And of course, the yeshiva student can always decline to accept the punishment.
A sick soldier needs to get permission to stay in bed.
A sick yeshiva student can simply stay home.
A soldier who doesn’t like his unit or his commander can apply for a transfer. But unless and until his request is approved he is stuck with his unit and commander. The alternative – again – is jail.
A yeshiva student who doesn’t like his yeshiva may face social costs if he changes institutions – but the choice remains in his hands.
A soldier constantly faces the exposure that even if he acts with due diligence that circumstances completely out of his control may cause him to face charges for an offense and, yes, jail time.
And I am not even going into the many scenarios in army service that result in a soldier finding that his scheduled leave from the base is either delayed or simply cancelled.
Now please don’t think I am saying that serving in the IDF is a terrible thing.
It is an honor. It is also a fantastic experience that contributes greatly to the development of those who serve.
What I am saying is that, in fairness, this sacrifice of freedom must be recognized.
This sacrifice of freedom, that is made by everyone who serves – regardless of their function, is a greater sacrifice than any self imposed yeshiva regimen or self imposed poverty.
The ultra orthodox community can employ theological arguments regarding the efficacy of Torah study over army service in defending the Jewish State.
They can even challenge the true manpower needs of the IDF or advocate that the IDF become a volunteer army.
But they should show some restraint when it comes to the “sacrifice” card and appreciate and recognize the very fundamental sacrifice of freedom that their brothers who serve in the IDF make.
Link: http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3?id=57540
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