Top Rabbi Weeps Before Lawmakers: "Without Yeshiva Students, We Have Nothing"
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Rabbi Gershon Bergman, a leading yeshiva head, emotionally appealed to Degel HaTorah Knesset members, stating that the community's existence depends on yeshiva students. The party vowed not to join any government without an agreement exempting yeshiva students from military service. The meeting underscored the political significance of the issue for the ultra-Orthodox community.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Gershon Bergman became emotional, stating the community's survival depends on yeshiva students.
- Degel HaTorah MKs met with the rabbi at his residence.
- The party vowed not to join any government without an exemption for yeshiva students.
- The meeting included a senior member of the Council of Torah Sages.
- The discussion centered on the issue of military service exemptions for yeshiva students.
Rabbi Gershon Bergman, a prominent Rosh Yeshiva (head of a yeshiva), became emotional while speaking to Knesset members from the Degel HaTorah party at his residence. He stated, "If we don't have yeshiva students, we have nothing," expressing deep concern over the future of religious studies in Israel.
The meeting, which included one of the senior members of the Council of Torah Sages, focused on the political party's commitment to the yeshiva community. A representative from Degel HaTorah, identified as Asher, declared that the party would not join any government coalition unless an agreement was reached to exempt yeshiva students from military service.
This plea highlights the ongoing tension between secular and religious sectors in Israel regarding mandatory conscription and the significant role of yeshiva students in ultra-Orthodox society. The presence of Knesset members indicates the political weight of this issue and the efforts by religious parties to secure accommodations for their constituents.
