Shas Leader Aryeh Deri Criticizes Arrests of Torah Students

Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas Party, has voiced strong criticism regarding the arrest of yeshiva students who have evaded military service. In an article published in the party's newspaper, Deri stated that parents sending their sons to study Torah live in constant fear that their children will be arrested and imprisoned simply for choosing to learn. He described meeting these parents and hearing their pain and worry, which he said deeply affects him.

Deri, who has been active in public life for over 40 years, expressed disbelief that he would need to fight in the Knesset for a law aimed at preventing the arrest of Torah students, even for a few months. He lamented that a law passed after significant effort was overturned by a single judge's "arbitrary and scandalous decision," questioning the value placed on the lives of Torah scholars.

The remarks were made in a special edition of the Shas newspaper, "Ha'Derech," which also featured a call to action from the party's spiritual leader, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef. Yosef urged those with even a modicum of fear of heaven not to remain passive when Torah is disrespected, implying divine displeasure.

Deri emphasized that Shas's mission is to regulate the status of Torah students. He stated that the party will pursue this goal with even greater determination after the upcoming elections, vowing not to join any government until the status of Torah students is secured.