To draft or not to draft?

This assignment requires 4 large pieces of colored posterboard or heavy paper, notepaper, pens and markers, pins or masking tape.

With these, the group will create a 4-way chart presenting the benefits and disadvantages of the proposed new law for

Divide participants into 4 equal groups and give out copies of the articles or have them read them online from the website [requires more time!]. If working online, ask them to note any other links they find or search on the issue.

Each group receives one piece of colored posterboard and one assignment - either the benefits or the disadvantages for population a. or population b.

They should discuss and come up with as many options as possible, copying them onto the posterboard.

Pin the chart to the wall or tape on the floor either as 4 side by side charts or in a 2x2 format.

Participants have time to examine the chart and note which items appear more than once in different columns - on the plus or minus side for either or both populations!

Go round the group asking if anyone wishes to add to the lists.
Ask which were the most problematic issues and which were the most relevant to the participants.
Ask whether, on the whole, participants as individuals feel that the law could be of benefit - and why.

Sample Chart

A. IDF & the State of Israel

Benefits

Disadvantages

Spreading & reducing defense load more equitably across the population

Enhancing the democratic processes of involvement

Ensuring all citizens can defend themselves and their country

Reservoir of more trained soldiers

Improved human resources for labor-intensive and analytical jobs in the IDF

Possibility of accrued tax revenue as students with earnings are registered as taxpayers

Greater representation of Jewish life and traditions in the IDF

Creating openness to diversity, social coexistence and creating social cohesion within the IDF

IDF specializations improve general level of education in the population

Greater state budget required to run larger army;
provide extended general education ;
and more specialized training for recruits

Greater state budget required to make full National Insurance payments, family benefits for invalids, in families where 1 member has served in the IDF, instead of partial payments

Poor motivation to serve makes poor soldiers

Expectations of psychological problems with weapons or combat situations

Poor physical fitness expected in many

More time required to train recruits to operational level

Potential for greater politicization of the IDF

Stringent religious requirements will have counter-productive effect on function of IDF

Anticipated friction in ranks and with officers

Cultural and behavioral differences

Potential cause of emigration from Israel of 17-16 year old men

Potential for decline or loss of Torah institutions in Israel

B. Yeshiva & Kollel Students

Benefits

Disadvantages

Ensuring all citizens can defend themselves and their country

Enhanced involvement gives a greater voice in Israeli society

Acquisition of professional and vocational skills

Entitlement to full rates of National Insurance payments for themselves and their families during and post-service.

Fear of susceptibility of young religious men to secular influences and lifestyle

Not motivated to serve - will be unhappy

Stringent religious requirements in an unsuitable environment

Draft process will funnel many into income tax payments or many decide not to work at all to be eligible for exemption, generating further financial hardship in the community.

Enormous political opposition will be generated by and against them

Might prefer to leave the country and their families rather than serve in IDF

To draft or not to draft?

Is It A Good Idea?

Sample Chart