The haredi (ultra-Orthodox) world has long stood apart, wrapped in its own traditions and ways, but lately, the gap between its insular mindset and the broader society, which includes the National-Religious and a large part of the Yeshiva world, has grown alarmingly wide.
This divide isn’t just about religious practice or lifestyle choices; it’s about a dangerous attitude that echoes some of the very forces that led to the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash – the most sacred site in Judaism.
At the core of this problem is a mindset that demands exemption from the shared responsibilities of society, while simultaneously expecting to be supported by it, often at an excessive level.
This isn’t merely a political or economic issue; it’s a deep psychological and social fracture, one that reveals a troubling strain of baseless contempt, a kind of hatred that runs under the surface toward fellow citizens.
What’s most striking, and disturbing, is the audacity behind this attitude. It’s not just about asking for help; it’s about demanding special treatment, without offering much in return.
Belief of superiority in haredi society
This sense of entitlement is rooted in narcissism, a belief that they are somehow superior to the rest of society. It’s a psychological state where the self inflates to ridiculous proportions, creating a delusional bubble where reality is distorted.
People caught in this mindset genuinely believe they are better, holier, or more important than their neighbors, to an extent that can defy compassion.
This isn’t just arrogance. It’s a dangerous delusion of grandeur from some. Those who hold these beliefs have convinced themselves that their community’s way is not only right but inherently above the rules that bind everyone else.
This thinking fractures the social fabric because it undermines the principle that we all share responsibility for each other. When a group believes it can opt out of contributing to the common good while still drawing heavily from society’s resources, it breeds resentment and division. It’s a betrayal of the values that hold a nation together.
The behavior of some members of this community in public spaces only deepens the crisis. Their presence in street protests or confrontations often comes across as an embarrassment, not just to the broader society but to their own heritage.
It’s painful to think about the grandparents and great-grandparents who served the nation, who sacrificed for the collective good, seeing their descendants acting in ways that seem to reject those very ideals. The older generations understood the meaning of contributing to the nation’s welfare and respecting laws.
But the real question isn’t just about judgment or moral outrage. It’s about solutions: how do we address this behavior in a way that restores balance and fairness?
How do we reintegrate a community that seems to be isolated, entitled, and that threatens social cohesion? One idea that came from a young voice in this conversation was to arrest those causing disruption and then require them to perform support work for the army.
At first, this seemed like a joke, a laughable idea given the current realities. The likelihood that those resistant to contributing would suddenly jump at the chance to work is slim to none.
This highlights the core challenge: their resistance isn’t just about circumstance; it’s about attitude. Changing laws or policies won’t be enough if the underlying mindset remains unchallenged.
The sense of entitlement, narcissism, and delusions of superiority are psychological barriers that no simple punishment or incentive can easily break down. It’s a crisis calling for a more nuanced, multifaceted approach.
The most effective tool remains in the hands of the voters. The parties that represent these attitudes must face the consequences of their policies at the ballot box.
When a political faction thrives by promoting division, rejecting shared responsibility, and leaning heavily on welfare without contribution, the public must push back by voting them out.
Reducing welfare funds that enable these behaviors is another lever, though it must be handled carefully to avoid harming those genuinely in need.
This is not just a political fight; it’s a battle for the soul of the nation. It’s about reclaiming a shared sense of responsibility, rediscovering respect for the social contract that binds us all.
A society can’t thrive when parts of it live in denial of their duties, wrapped in illusions of grandeur while expecting others to carry the load.
As we are people who come from what would be called haredi societies, we know that the haredi community, like every other, must find a way to balance its traditions with its obligations to the broader society.
Addressing this problem requires honesty, courage, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. It means calling out harmful attitudes without demonizing entire communities. It means creating opportunities for dialogue and understanding but also setting firm boundaries about participation and contribution.
The haredi world stands at a crossroads. It can choose to embrace a path of integration and shared responsibility, honoring both its heritage and its place within the larger society. Or it can continue down a road of division and entitlement, risking further isolation and conflict. The choice will shape the future for the entire nation.
In the end, the solution is as much psychological as it is political. It calls for a reckoning with the narcissism and delusion that fuel this crisis, and a recommitment to the values that once united everyone.
Dr. Michael J. Salamon is a psychologist specializing in trauma and abuse and director of ADC Psychological Services in Netanya and Hewlett, NY.
Louis Libin is an expert in military strategies, wireless innovation, emergency communications, and cybersecurity.