Religious Zionist Leader Urges Strong Political Voice for Community's Institutions
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Daniel Shiloach argues that the religious Zionist community requires strong, independent political representation to protect its educational and social institutions. He highlights historical reliance on political power to secure state funding and frameworks like religious education and youth movements. Shiloach warns against relying on other parties, citing ideological differences with Likud and potential ineffectiveness of votes for parties like Otzma Yehudit. He stresses that a robust religious Zionist party is crucial for safeguarding the community's achievements against potential political shifts and retribution.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Daniel Shiloach urges strong, independent political representation for the religious Zionist community to protect its institutions.
- Key institutions like religious education, youth movements, and Hesder yeshivas depend on state resources and political protection.
- Past achievements were secured through political power, and these gains are not guaranteed indefinitely.
- Shiloach warns against relying on Likud due to differing views on the Land of Israel and past territorial concessions.
- He cautions that votes for parties like Otzma Yehudit may not effectively advance the community's interests.
- A perceived 'inferiority complex' within the community can undermine its political effectiveness, requiring direct rabbinical involvement historically.
Rabbi Daniel Shiloach is warning that the religious Zionist community's educational institutions, youth movements, national service programs, and yeshiva academies are dependent on political power for their protection. In an opinion piece, he reflects on past struggles and current political overtures from parties like Likud and Otzma Yehudit, arguing for the necessity of a strong, independent religious Zionist political representation.
Shiloach emphasizes that the community's ideological aspirations and daily life are significantly impacted by state resources allocated by those in power. Institutions such as the state-religious education system, youth movements like Bnei Akiva, national service frameworks, pre-military academies, and Hesder yeshivas rely heavily on government decisions and funding. He recalls historical battles to establish and maintain these frameworks, asserting that political strength was crucial in overcoming opposition that viewed religious education as a private matter.
Drawing parallels to past challenges, Shiloach notes that achievements gained through hard work are not guaranteed indefinitely. He cites threats from figures like Yair Golan and the potential for political shifts, underscoring that votes cast for other parties may not offer protection when needed. He argues that a robust religious Zionist party can safeguard these institutions regardless of government changes, serving as a vital defense mechanism beyond advancing ideological goals.
Addressing potential alliances, Shiloach acknowledges shared goals with Otzma Yehudit but cautions that their extreme demands might prevent them from joining a government, rendering votes for them ineffective for advancing the community's agenda. Regarding Likud, while generally a suitable partner, he highlights a fundamental difference in worldview: Likud's "rights"-based discourse on the Land of Israel versus the religious Zionist "commitment"-based discourse. He points to past concessions, such as Menachem Begin's withdrawal from Sinai, Benjamin Netanyahu's transfer of Hebron to Arab control, and Ariel Sharon's disengagement from Gush Katif, as examples of Likud's willingness to compromise on territory.
Reflecting on his seventy years of political involvement, Shiloach observes a recurring "inferiority complex" within the religious Zionist public, leading to unrealistic demands on their representatives and a tendency to abandon them prematurely. This, he contends, has historically necessitated prominent rabbis like Neria, Druckman, and Yisraeli to personally engage in electoral campaigns to secure political power. He fears that without sufficient political strength, a new government might retaliate against political opponents by harming the community's institutions, making a strong religious Zionist party essential for preserving their achievements and ensuring their continued existence.
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