Draft Dodging in Halacha

Question

What is the Halacha pertaining to draft dodging? On one hand, one is required to obey the laws of the country where they live. At the same time, one who refuses to serve is avoiding putting oneself in a dangerous situation.

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Interestingly enough, I have never dealt with this particular question and I couldn’t find any real sources for the subject. Personally, I would suggest that the best place to ask is with those who were given draft deferments during the Vietnam War. They gave out deferments to those learning in Yeshivos, and some people relocated to Canada to avoid the draft. Some were registered as learning in Yeshivos even though they were not actually learning there. There was a lot of debate among the American Poskim as to what was permissible to do and what was not. It is possible that someone from that era might be able to help you.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team