Written in conjunction with the Netzach Educational Network.
As Israel sits in the middle of arguably its biggest existential crisis since the War of Independence, the simmering social crisis is threatening to tear it apart from within. Longstanding conflicts between the haredi and general sectors are reaching a boiling point, and with demographic trends indicating a haredi majority within decades, the need for solutions has gained new urgency.
Thankfully, moves are already underway to meet this challenge head on and to defuse this “ticking time bomb.”
For eight years, the Netzach Educational Network, founded and directed by Rabbi Menachem Bombach, has been spearheading a quiet revolution, aimed at breaking down societal barriers and integrating the haredi community into mainstream Israeli society, in a way that does not compromise its identity.
“We are seeing a gradual progression, slowly but surely, with genuine change unfolding in the haredi community,” says Bombach, describing the ever-increasing numbers of parents who are opting to send their children to Netzach schools, which are affiliated with the state-hareidi educational stream.
“Netzach has proven that it is possible to provide children with a high-level education without compromising on the haredi character and spirit,” remarked Bombach.
With five elementary schools, three high schools and three post-high school institutions in Beit Shemesh, Jerusalem, Givat Ze’ev and Beitar, the network is steadily spreading outward. New Nezach schools have also been opened in the staunchly traditional stronghold of Bnei Brak as well as in Holon. The Ofek women’s college offers degree programs in nursing, psychology and high-tech, while the Netzach postgraduate pre-med program enables men to embark on a medical career.
One of the trailblazing features of the Netzach network is the Eshkolot virtual portal, an online learning program that currently caters to almost 50,000 students. Through this revolutionary initiative, students ranging from under 16 to over 35 can take basic and advanced courses in core subjects such as English, math and science. Students learn at their own pace, and at a place and time that is convenient for them. “Eshkolot has been a game-changer for haredim of different ages who are eager to fill their knowledge gaps and pursue quality employment opportunities,” said Bombach.
Beyond academics, the Netzach network emphasizes the development of well-rounded individuals who are actively engaged in society. Its schools offer classes in music, drama, and sports, fostering a balanced education that respects and integrates their religious values with modern societal demands.
Rabbi Bombach outlines his vision: Our education is distinctly haredi and our students graduate with a strong haredi identity and Torah knowledge. However, we are attentive to the uniqueness of each student and educate them to make thoughtful, personal choices. In this vein, a significant number of Netzacah graduates enlist in the IDF after dedicating years to Torah study. One Netzach alumni received the President’s Award for excellence in his capacity.
A Netzach graduate who currently serves in the elite Duvdevan undercover unit was recently married. Rabbi Bombach, who officiated at the wedding, remarked on how extraordinary it was to see the groom’s haredi friends alongside his army comrades. “For me, it was an expression of how once can maintain Jewish identity alongside meaningful service and connections with broader Israeli society.”
In response to the war in Israel, students at the various Netzach schools have taken it upon themselves to assist Israel’s war effort with volunteer initiatives. Students adopted a community where many of the residents were called up for reserve duty, and provided care packages and assistance with childcare to ease their burden. At the beginning of the war, Netzach High school girls traveled to Eilat to assist families of evacuees and run classes for children – a project that earned them the Ben Gurion Award.
When reflecting on the current struggles among the various streams of Israeli society, Bombach acknowledges the challenges, but says he is optimistic. “I believe that there is enough goodness and shared values among the various segments of Israeli society that will enable us to bridge our differences. While societal frustrations and struggles are real, thorny issues that have been a source of conflict for seventy years cannot be resolved overnight. There is a need for leadership and patience. There is no doubt that the haredi community continues to show increasing signs of contributing to the broader public. I am certain that in the coming years, we will see tremendous breakthroughs.”
