Israel Matzav

Bill to penalize university student draft dodgers

A lot of people in Israel believe that Haredim often don't do army service. The truth is that there are many non-Haredim who also don't do army service. In fact, I've heard estimates that as many as 40-50% of young Israelis avoid the army. Secular Israelis who don't do army service often receive far more government money than the Haredim do because the government pays 66% of all university tuition (university tuition here is about $4,000 annually). But that may be about to change.

A bill introduced by MK Yoni Chetboun (Jewish Home) and passed by the Ministerial Legislation Committee on Sunday would end the government subsidy for anyone who is a 'draft evader.' You won't believe who opposed the bill....

Draft-dodgers will have to pay more for higher education, according to a bill by MK Yoni Chetboun (Bayit Yehudi) approved by the Ministerial Committee for Legislation Sunday.

The government currently subsidizes about 66 percent of all university tuition. Chetboun proposed that it not do so for anyone who evaded being drafted to the IDF.

Only Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and Health Minister Yael German opposed the initiative, which is backed by opposition and coalition MKs, in the ministerial committee.

The Bayit Yehudi MK's bill applies only to those the IDF sought to enlist, did not report for service and are considered draft-dodgers. It does not apply to haredim, Arabs or anyone else who is legally exempt or excused from military service. Nor does it cancel the full tuition subsidy young new immigrants receive.

There are thousands of draft evaders in Israel's universities. 

Labels: draft, Haredim, IDF, university degree

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 11:19 PM