Shas Pledges Bar Mitzvah Kits, Golan Counters with Draft Notices
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Shas Chairman Arie Deri announced a campaign pledge to provide Bar Mitzvah kits with tefillin to all 13-year-old boys and mandate prayer spaces in schools. Deri framed the initiative as a defense of Israel's Jewish identity against secularization. In response, Democrats Chairman Yair Golan countered with a pledge to issue draft notices to all 18-year-olds, stating that military service is mandatory while tefillin are optional.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shas vows to give tefillin kits to 13-year-old boys and create school prayer spaces.
- Chairman Arie Deri stated the plan aims to strengthen Israel's Jewish identity.
- Deri criticized statements advocating for secularization and removing religion from public life.
- Democrats Chairman Yair Golan responded by pledging mandatory draft notices for all 18-year-olds.
- Golan contrasted his pledge, calling military service mandatory and tefillin a choice.
Arie Deri, chairman of the Shas party, released a campaign video on Thursday announcing a new initiative to strengthen Jewish identity. The plan, dubbed "Tefillin for Every Child," aims to provide every boy reaching the age of 13 with a Bar Mitzvah kit, including tefillin and a tallit, funded by the Ministry of Education. Shas also pledged to mandate the allocation of prayer spaces in schools.
Deri stated in the video that the initiative is a response to recent "harsh statements" threatening Israel's Jewish identity and aiming to turn it into a secular nation. He emphasized that tefillin are a symbol of the Jewish people and that the program will reinforce the connection to Judaism and Israel's security. Deri specifically referenced statements by Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, who has advocated for removing religion from public spaces.
"These are difficult and shocking words," Deri said. "Therefore, the Shas movement commits to passing the 'Tefillin for Every Child' program in the next government. The choice is clear: either we strengthen the Jewish state, or we descend into a state like all the nations."
In response, Yair Golan posted his own election pledge, stating, "Here is our election promise: the state will distribute draft notices to every boy and girl at age 18. Everyone will receive a draft notice. Tefillin are by choice. Draft is mandatory."
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
