The Jewish world in the age of coronavirus – A special Israel Hayom project
Part XVI: The unlikely alliance of soldiers and Haredim during the pandemic
The relationship between the secular and the ultra-Orthodox sector in Israel has always been strained. But thanks to the coronavirus, the two parties are starting to be exposed to each more, and therefore understand each other better.
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Israel instituted its first lockdown in March. Soldiers were stationed all over the country to enforce the Health Ministry guidelines.
"As soon as the IDF soldiers came to Bnei Brak, the dynamics of the relationship between them and the Haredim changed," explains Ben Barber, a public activist and member of the Bobov Hassidic dynasty.
"The Haredi community has come to understand the coronavirus better, and the soldiers were exposed to the religious community and learned how much they support each other.
"Because the two parties interacted directly, and not through the media, each one changed the way they thought about the other."
Barber aims to ease the ever-present tension between the ultra-Orthodox and secular population in order to create a better communication with the government.
"When two sides do not understand each other, it is only natural that there will be tension between them. We need to remember that we are all brothers and each one has its own unique way. I believe that in the long run, this idea will seep into the depths of our consciousness. There is a great opportunity right in front of us."
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