Thank you for your response. But, I still do not know how those people justify their, we will not fight, stance given the history of the Jewish people.
I am well aware of the exemptions for newlyweds. Especially for those that had not yet consummated their marriage or, in some interpretations conceived their first male child thus ensuring the continuation of the line.
I am not aware of any law of old which exempted any group as a whole from an obligation to fight to protect Israel.
So, I am curious what do they use as justification of their position?
As best I gather, it’s because the tribe of Levi generally was granted exemption from defense service, they having religious duties instead. ( Rashi pointed out that Levi was included in the fight against Midian - (analysis? That was a special engagement at the Creator’s direction
And not your run of the mill war?). Well, that and the Rambam’s idealized religious devotee comment I mentioned earlier. That’s about all the authority I know of for granting the yeshiva men exemption from the common defense. My personal opinion is that these citations are not persuasive and that the guys should join the IDF and do so enthusiastically. At least they should be thankful they are given this opportunity of defending the Jewish people and land. Something their forefathers couldn’t do for 2000 years. ( and if there’s more persuasive authority for exempting them I am confident someone reading this will advise us). Best, fhc