Haredi Leader Clashes With Interviewer Over Draft, Core Studies
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Yitzhak Goldknopf, chairman of Agudat Yisrael, stated in a Channel 13 interview that the Haredi community is central to Israel and determines its own educational content, including core studies. He opposed the draft of Haredi yeshiva students, warning of societal rifts and interference with their way of life. Goldknopf also expressed a strained relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu over the draft issue and indicated a desire for fundamental changes in future coalition negotiations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Haredi leader Yitzhak Goldknopf stated his community is central to Israel and determines its own educational content.
- Goldknopf opposed the draft of Haredi yeshiva students, warning of societal rifts and interference.
- He rejected demands to expand core curriculum studies in Haredi educational institutions.
- Goldknopf expressed a strained relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu over the draft issue.
- He indicated a desire for fundamental changes in future coalition negotiations regarding Haredi rights.
Yitzhak Goldknopf, chairman of Agudat Yisrael, engaged in a heated interview with Yoeli Barim on Channel 13, addressing contentious issues including the draft of Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews), core curriculum studies, and the community's relationship with the state. Goldknopf asserted that the Haredi community is not just a part of Israel but its center, due to the importance of Torah study. He criticized the focus on drafting yeshiva students, arguing that Torah study is essential for Israel's existence and that the Haredi public should determine its own educational content, including core subjects like math and English.
Goldknopf rejected claims of failure in handling the draft issue, stating his solution is to regulate the status of Torah scholars to allow their continued study, as has been customary for decades. He warned that increased pressure, including arrests and sanctions against those not enlisting, could deepen societal rifts and expressed concern that the draft debate is part of a broader attempt to interfere with the Haredi way of life and their independent education system. He avoided a direct answer on whether Haredi men not studying Torah should be drafted, reiterating his opposition to conscription through arrests and sanctions.
Regarding education, Goldknopf firmly stated that the Haredi community will decide its own curriculum, pushing back against demands to expand core subjects. He also touched upon the impact of the October 7th attacks, mentioning Torah study and prayers for the fallen, and his actions as Housing Minister to aid war victims.
In political matters, Goldknopf claimed not to know Moti Leitner, the leader of a new party aiming to represent working Haredim and promote core studies and enlistment. He also voiced opposition to women's inclusion in Haredi party lists, aligning with Agudat Yisrael's traditional stance.
Discussing his relationship with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Goldknopf stated he no longer sees him as a political partner due to disagreements over the draft. When presented with a hypothetical choice between forming a government with Netanyahu or Gadi Eisenkot, he remained non-committal, emphasizing that future Haredi parties will demand fundamental changes in budgets and rights to avoid constant political negotiation.
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