Shas Promises Tefillin to Boys, Prayer Spaces in Schools

By Вести-Ynet

Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba

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Russian · 11 newsrooms covering

Shas party chairman Arie Deri announced a campaign pledge to provide tefillin and a tallit to every 13-year-old boy and secure mandatory prayer spaces in schools. Deri framed the initiative as a defense of Israel's Jewish identity against secularization. In response, Yair Golan promised mandatory draft notices for all 18-year-olds, contrasting it with optional religious observance.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Shas chairman Arie Deri promised tefillin and a tallit to every 13-year-old boy.
Shas will push for mandatory prayer spaces in all Israeli schools.
Deri stated the program aims to strengthen Israel's Jewish identity and security.
Yair Golan responded by promising mandatory draft notices for all 18-year-olds.
Golan contrasted his promise with optional religious observance.

Shas Promises Tefillin to Boys, Prayer Spaces in Schools — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Arie Deri, chairman of the Shas party, unveiled a campaign video on October 22, announcing a "new program to strengthen Jewish identity." As part of this initiative, every boy reaching the age of 13 will receive tefillin and a tallit as a gift from the Ministry of Education. Shas also pledged to advocate for mandatory prayer spaces in all schools.

Deri stated in the video that recent statements threaten Israel's Jewish identity, aiming to make it a "state for all." He asserted, "This will not happen!" He described tefillin as a symbol of the Jewish people for generations and claimed the program would express Israel's deep connection to Judaism and tradition, thereby strengthening its security.

Deri referenced a recent statement by Yair Golan of the Democrat party, who called for removing religion from public spaces, calling such ideas "shocking." Deri concluded, "Either we strengthen the Jewish state, or we will slide into a state for all."

In response, Yair Golan presented his own "election promise": "The state will distribute draft notices to everyone who reaches the age of 18. Everyone will receive a notice. Tefillin is optional. Conscription is mandatory."