Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host Amanda Borschel-Dan speaking with Dr. Gilad Malach, a research fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute.
Malach’s research focuses on public policy related to Israel’s ultra-Orthodox community, including issues critical to its integration into Israel’s economy and society.
WATCH this conversation here:
This week, the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is debating a new bill aimed at regulating Haredi draft exemptions.
More from What Matters Now
June 2, 2026Matti Friedman: As Israel plays king of the castle in Lebanon, what's its endgame?
May 27, 2026Dara Horn: The answer to the Jewish question
May 19, 2026Yishai Ishi Ron: Ex-commando writes novels about trauma and recovery
May 14, 2026Michael Wegier: British Jews aren't living in fear, but they're certainly anxious
May 12, 2026Cochav Elkayam-Levy: Hamas weaponized rape and humiliation on Oct. 7
Starting with the foundation of the state in 1948, Malach takes us through the evolution of the ultra-Orthodox community’s refusal to serve in the IDF. We hear of previous efforts to entice the population to join the army and how badly they failed.
Malach takes us through the unique make-up of the ultra-Orthodox household, in which women generally are more educated and go out to work, while men form a “community of learners.”
As this new legislation is being debated, we learn what is at stake for the community, as well as the frustrations from the majority of Israelis who are shouldering the national burden.
And so this week, we ask Dr. Gilad Malach, what matters now.
What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.
Check out the previous What Matters Now episode:
The Times of Israel Community.