National Central Bureau of Statistics research indicates that at least one of ten young Haredi Orthodox is breaking away from the strictly orthodox world.
Internet and smart phones have made the outside world more accessible to the closed community, which some claim has become very tempting for younger Haredi Orthodox, who have limited access to media. Haredi leaders argue that the society has survived technological developments in the past and remains strong.
While there have always been individuals and families who have left the Haredi world, some note that the numbers are growing. Two of our three speakers who grew up in that world, are now reaching out to those who are leaving it as well.
Moshe Shenfeld is the CEO and founder of Out for Change, an NGO assisting those who leave the Haredi community in areas such as education, employment, army and even with their own families.
Avi Tapilinsky (once Rabbi Avraham Tapilinsky) is a former head of the occupancy committee in Beitar Illit, currently runs a home for formerly Haredi young people.
Yitzhak Pindrus is a member of the Jerusalem City Council from the Ashkenazi Haredi Degel HaTorah party and the former mayor of the town of Beitar.
