Who is a hero? 'The One Who Subdues His Inclinations' meets a secular Israeli body

I examine how young Haredi men construct their bodies in relation to the secular body, which is considered their main Other”. Together with Haredi men’s criticism of the secular body, more positive feelings can be discerned such as appreciation, envy and even adoration. I argue that due to the transition of many Haredi men into the wider Israeli space, the secular body’s influence is increasing. I also examine the principles whereby certain aspects of the secular body are being adopted while others are rejected or adopted in part.