According to Kikar, the Satmar community in Israel has petitioned the Supreme Court to have automatic exemptions from IDF service granted to the entire Satmar community.
In the petition to the Supreme Court they explain that they do not see themselves as part of the State - not just in the form of not recognizing it but actively opposing it and believing the existence of the State is causing the delay in the coming of Mashiach. To that end the Satmar community isolates itself in every way possible from the State and its symbols and institutions.
Additionally, Satmar is opposed to any and all army service, as any war declared by any body other than the Sanhedrin is not valid and is simply murder.
They want to be exempted not just from service, but also from any paperwork and medical exams related to the service. They don't want to even have to go file for an exemption, as that would be recognizing the validity of the State.
The Supreme Court has ordered the State to write a response to the petition made by Satmar.
While essentially I can accept such an arrangement, similarly to the way the State automatically exempts most Arabs, for example, I do not know how it can be employed. How does the State determine who is Satmar and who is not? How does the State know to exempt one person and not the other? Will Satmar submit lists? Will anyone else not wanting to serve be able to find a way to be considered Satmar?
Ironically, Satmar petitioning the Supreme Court seems to be some sort of recognition of the State that they say they don't recognize and isolate themselves from its institutions.
------------------------------------------------------
Reach thousands of readers with your ad by advertising on Life in Israel
------------------------------------------------------
