Der'i Praises Likud MK Milvizky for Defending Torah Scholars

Shas party leader Aryeh Deri hosted MK Hanoch Milvizky of the Likud party in his Sukkah on Monday, lavishing unusual praise on the lawmaker in front of movement rabbis and faction members. Milvizky, who previously chaired the Knesset Finance Committee and is not expected to serve in the next Knesset, received a warm embrace from Deri for his past remarks in the plenum defending Torah scholars.

"It is a mitzvah to publicize a mitzvah," Deri told attendees, presenting Milvizky as someone who "sanctified God's name." Deri referenced a speech Milvizky delivered during a late-night budget discussion in the Knesset. "He got up to speak in the middle of the night, it wasn't even a discussion about conscription, and told the opposition the whole truth to their faces: 'Who is holding the people of Israel here in the Land of Israel? It is those who sit and study Torah, and because of them, we are here.'"

Deri stated that Milvizky's words moved him to tears, adding, "If everyone spoke about Torah scholars with pride, determination, and clarity like he did, our situation today would be completely different. The youth would not be confused by the incitement against Torah scholars."

Deri also subtly alluded to the ruling party, referencing Milvizky's diminished influence within the Likud ahead of the upcoming elections. "My colleagues and I in the Shas movement will never forget this," Deri declared, "even if others in the Likud do not know how to sufficiently respect and appreciate what you have done. Whoever did a favor for the world of Torah is an honorary citizen with us."