In Bnei Brak, soldiers were exposed without the mediation of the media, which led to a better connection • In New York, residents discovered the acts of kindness of the Hasidim • Judaism in the shadow of the Corona
One of the deepest expressions of the changes experienced by the ultra-Orthodox society during this period is expressed in the relationship between the ultra-Orthodox rabbinical leadership and the government or civilian apparatus, in Israel and in the Diaspora.
On the one hand, this has the potential to promote a positive and effective dialogue between the parties and, on the other hand, a risk of increasing tensions due to the explosiveness of the disputes.
"As soon as the IDF entered Bnei Brak in the first wave, the dynamics of the relationship between it and the ultra-Orthodox public began to change," explains Ben Barber, a public activist from the Oboe Hasidism. "For the nature of the community and the mutual assistance that characterizes it. The direct connection between the parties and not through the mediation of the media, has literally changed everyone's ways of thinking."
Barber aims to suspend the familiar tension between the ultra-Orthodox and the general population, in an attempt to create comfortable communication with the civilian government.
"Normally, when there is no understanding, it is easy to tear each other apart, but we must remember that we are brothers and each has his own way and method. Once one comes towards the other, we reach an equal valley. I am sure in the long run things seep into the depths of consciousness. Created here. "
From its headquarters in the Borough Park neighborhood of New York, the largest Jewish city in the world, things are gaining a broader perspective in and out of the ultra-Orthodox arena.
For example, the tangible formation of Chabad as an organization of Jewish charity within Brooklyn also in relation to the followers of other Hasidic sects, in a way that reflects both its position in the sector and the overall view of the ultra-Orthodox community.
The Corona said to everyone, 'Stop!' You are not 'insults' (homeowners), not running the world, but someone who knows much better than you (God).
Established people collapsed at once and everything turned 360 degrees and that gives you time to think.
A person realizes that he is just a small screw.
"Chabad are benefactors who help others and go out of their way to do so; a series of daily activities took place here on an inspiring scale of kindness, fundraising and aid. Unfortunately, many of my friends and acquaintances paid with their lives for the virus, and quite a few left families behind."
For him, the view of the ultra-Orthodox society, including Chabad, has changed in a certain sense. "Anyone who has understood in his head understands that there is a need to take a fresh look at the community and in particular with regard to mutual aid.
"People see the warmth and friendship and do not remain indifferent to it - especially in times of need when all things are of paramount importance."
Although we focus on tensions between the Israeli government and the ultra-Orthodox sector on a daily basis, in recent times, due to the corona virus, there is not a simple tension in the United States between the ultra-Orthodox and the authorities, especially in New York, where Jewish concentration is high. The second closure in the city.
Rabbi Israel Kahana, of the Viznich Chassidut in New York, emphasizes the community's sense of persecution.
"In our opinion, instead of lowering the height of the fence between the local government and us, we feel that we have received the second cheek. The 'reward' for the adjustments we made in prayers and lifestyles was actually an attempt to damage our identity as ultra-Orthodox. "On October 10, the mass closure and the census limit was not innocent, and relied, among other things, on the exploitation of the de-legitimization process that was done to us during the months leading up to it. It is very sad."
Kahana, director general of the Ozerim Jewish Council, who serves as a mediator from time to time between the Israeli consulate in New York and the ultra-Orthodox community, hints at a sharp regression in the community's relations with the local government, which he claimed began in the summer months.
"Unfortunately, the difficult atmosphere towards us was also influenced by the governor's irrelevant approach and his political (democratic) position, while most of the ultra-Orthodox here supported Trump in the election, and we are very sorry for that, because in this way the discourse was damaged and tensions only increased."
At the same time, Kahana also remembers a positive point during the year - "The ultra-Orthodox Jewish community received particularly large media coverage last June, when it became clear that the number of donors from the Jewish community who donated plasma to patients was the largest among thousands of donors recovering from the virus." "In light of the accusations leveled before members of the community earlier against the background of the high level of infection among its members and the heavy price it paid in the lives of hundreds of followers."
Kahana notes that the general population in New York was exposed during the plague to other sides of the followers as well.
"Even Satmar's followers donated tablets to Corona patients who are not just Jews - the local population was exposed to something they would not have known otherwise. What is more human and touching than that? It does not eliminate the anti-Semitic spirit that was felt towards us but it is clearly encouraging."
