Shas Election Promise of Free Tefillin Criticized as Political Patronage
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Media personality the media personality criticized Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri's pledge to provide free tefillin to all Bar Mitzvah-age boys, calling it a plan to create an unnecessary government body for political appointments and public fund distribution. The media personality argued that tefillin are already readily available to those who want them. He satirically depicted the proposed administration as a source of jobs and resources for political allies, funded by taxpayers.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The media personality criticized Aryeh Deri's promise of free tefillin for all Israeli boys.
- The media personality claims the plan would create an unnecessary government administration.
- He alleges the proposal aims to distribute jobs and public funds to political allies.
- The media personality stated tefillin are already widely accessible to those who want them.
- The criticism was presented in a satirical post on social media.
Media personality the media personality has sharply criticized Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri's election promise to provide free tefillin and tallit sets to every Bar Mitzvah-age boy in Israel, funded by the state. The media personality posted a satirical critique suggesting the plan would create an unnecessary government administration, leading to the appointment of cronies and distribution of positions and public funds.
The media personality argued that there is already widespread access to tefillin for those who wish to use them, citing the abundance of used tefillin from deceased individuals and existing initiatives to provide them to soldiers, youth, and new immigrants. "In Israel, there is almost no person who wants tefillin and doesn't have them," he stated, questioning the necessity of Deri's proposal.
In his satirical scenario, the media personality described the establishment of a new national tefillin administration, complete with offices, personnel, vehicles, and budgets. He suggested this body would serve as a vehicle for political appointments and patronage, enabling hundreds of scribes to earn a living and channeling public money to supporters. He mockingly proposed job titles such as "Advisor for Rashi Tefillin Matters" and suggested potential future divisions into Sephardi and Ashkenazi tefillin administrations.
The media personality concluded by accusing Deri, who he believes is well aware of the religious community's needs, of proposing the plan to create a superfluous mechanism for enriching associates and exploiting public funds for voters. He called it further proof of Deri's "genius" in political maneuvering.
