We examine the relationship between Haredi Jews and the Israeli state.

Tens of thousands of Ultra-Orthodox Jews of the Belz Hasidic Dynasty take part in the wedding ceremony of Rabbi Shalom Rokach, the Grandson of the Belz Rabbi to Hana Batya Pener on May 21, 2013. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images)

They’re called Haredim, Hebrew for 'those who tremble before God'. Many live in isolated communities, dedicating their lives to religious study. They’re exempt from mandatory military service surviving on tax-payer funding and donations. Some Israelis think it’s time for them to share all the burdens of citizenship. But the Haredi fear change is happening too quickly. We’ll discuss the integration of Israel’s swelling ultra-Orthodox minority into society.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to:

Rabbi Yitzhak Pindrus

Deputy Mayor, Jerusalem

Naomi Paiss @NewIsraelFund

Vice President of Public Affairs, New Israel Fund

Ud Doron

Activist, “Be Free Israel” organization

Ronit Peskin @womenforthewall

Ultra-Orthodox activist, Women For The Wall