Knesset Gives Preliminary Approval to Basic Law on Torah Study

The Knesset plenum approved today, Wednesday, in a preliminary reading the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study, submitted by Knesset members Moshe Gafni and Yaakov Asher. Fifty-six lawmakers supported the proposal, while 43 opposed it. The bill will be sent to the Knesset Committee to determine which committee will debate it as part of the continued legislative process.

According to the text of the proposal, the status of Torah study would be anchored as a foundational value in the heritage of the Jewish people. In addition, it states that the state will recognize those who devote themselves to Torah study over time as performing significant service to the state and the Jewish people.

The bill’s sponsor, MK Moshe Gafni, said in the plenum that “Torah study was what sustained the Jewish people for thousands of years. It was the refuge of the people in every era,” and added that the purpose of the law is to anchor the social arrangement that has accompanied the State of Israel since its founding. Speaking on behalf of the government, Minister Ze'ev Elkin said the government supports the proposal, but stressed that the clause equating Torah scholars with those who serve will be removed from the text. According to him, “Torah study is a foundational value in the heritage of the Jewish people,” but without the requested amendment, the law will not advance further in the legislative process.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid sharply attacked the proposal, saying: “What does this law have to do with Torah study? This is a law to finance draft evasion. This is not a law about Torah, it is a law about money.” Shas chairman Aryeh Deri welcomed the law’s approval and called it “a historic step toward the State of Israel recognizing the supreme value of the holy Torah and the tremendous contribution of Torah learners to the people of Israel.” Deputy minister Israel Eichler also welcomed the move, saying the law aims to end the “persecution of Torah learners” and restore the honor of bnei Torah.

During the vote, there was also a break in Likud ranks, as Knesset members Yuli Edelstein and Dan Illouz voted against the proposal.