The Diversity and Representation Report for 2021, issued in May 2022 by the Civil Service Commission, determined that for some groups in the Israeli population, “the civil service generally meets targets” for appropriate representation. However, the statistics contained in the report itself indicate that not one of the target groups is appropriately represented in the civil service. This lapse likely stems from lack of motivation by government ministries and auxiliary units, and to faulty performance by the Commission in outlining...
A widespread protest is underway in the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) society in Israel against the reform intended by the Minister of Communications regarding “kosher” cell phones: transparency in the decisions of the Rabbinical Committee for Communications and the abolition of the preliminary digits that identify kosher telephone numbers. Most of the sub-communities and circles in the haredi society are united in the protest against the intended reform, in particular the abolition of the preliminary code. This article reviews the...
In August 2021 the Knesset committee approved a bill designed to escape the existing dead end on the issue of haredi (ultra-Orthodox) enlistment in the IDF. However, the wording of the proposal, the lack of clarity within the IDF on the matter, and the absence of willingness to change among the ultra-Orthodox themselves do not guarantee that the problem will be resolved. It appears that even if the proposal is accepted, the integration of the ultra-Orthodox community into the state institutions, the IDF, and the labor market will not...
With the aim of encouraging haredim (ultra-Orthodox) to enter the labor market, in July 2021 Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman decided to stop subsidizing day care centers unless both parents were working at least part time or were in the process of acquiring education or vocational skills that would help them find work. Lieberman’s decision sparked much criticism from the haredi community, which is firmly opposed to the measure. This article stresses the importance of gainful haredi employment, along with continued recognition of...
