Do Ultra-Orthodox Hold Back Israeli Economy?
Rob Eshman summarizes effectively some of the strengths of the current Israeli economy as an engine of high-tech development, as well as one potential danger ahead: decreased funding for education (“Wind-Down Nation?” Nov 27). He correctly cites the role of the armed forces as innovators, inventors and venture capitalists. He might also have noted Israel’s achievements in green technology. Regrettably, he did not mention, however briefly, the elephant in the living room: that by 2025, between one-fifth to one-quarter of the population will be ultra-Orthodox (Charedim). As such, they are exempted not only from military service but also from study of technical or liberal arts subjects, to allow them to study Torah full time (see Stanley Gold, “Will The Ultra-Orthodox Hold Israel Back?” Los Angeles Times, Oct. 4). Unlike their Orthodox counterparts in other Western nations, who hold down jobs while maintaining this lifestyle, they rely on state subsidies for support (now about $1.3 billio
