Israeli Lawmaker Sparks Outrage Comparing Yeshiva Students to Holocaust Victims
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Elyakim Stark, a designated Knesset Member for United Torah Judaism, has caused a storm by comparing the plight of yeshiva students fearing travel abroad due to draft evasion to the Holocaust. Stark stated their situation is "close to what happened during the Holocaust" regarding border movement. He is set to replace MK Yisrael Eichler in the Knesset.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Designated MK Elyakim Stark compared yeshiva students' travel fears to the Holocaust.
- Stark stated the situation for students is "close to what happened during the Holocaust."
- The students fear arrest for draft evasion when traveling abroad for marriage.
- Stark is set to enter the Knesset replacing MK Yisrael Eichler.
- The remarks have generated significant controversy.
Elyakim Stark, a designated Knesset Member for the United Torah Judaism party, has ignited controversy with remarks comparing the situation of yeshiva students to the Holocaust. Stark stated that the difficulties faced by these students, who fear traveling abroad for marriage arrangements due to potential arrest for draft evasion, are "close to what happened during the Holocaust," specifically referencing restrictions on movement between borders.
Stark, who is slated to enter the Knesset as a replacement for current MK Yisrael Eichler, made these comments during a speech. He addressed the challenges faced by yeshiva students whose military service status is not regularized, leading to fears of detention at the airport if they attempt to leave the country for matchmaking purposes.
Initially, Stark seemed to acknowledge Eichler's reputation for sharp statements, saying he had taken on not to speak about the Holocaust in the initial years because Eichler had already said enough. However, Stark then proceeded to draw the Holocaust parallel himself, stating, "I am not involved in Holocaust matters, but I find myself with no other definition. Our situation is close to what happened during the Holocaust when they could not move between borders. It reminds me of stories from our grandfathers."
