Druze MK Akram Hasson Defends Ultra-Orthodox Torah Study and Vows Support for Basic Law

Druze Member of Knesset Akram Hasson from the National Unity party strongly defended the ultra-Orthodox community and announced his support for the Basic Law that would enshrine the status of Torah study. Speaking on Kan Morasha radio on Tuesday, Hasson condemned what he described as political incitement against religious figures and pledged to vote in favor of the law when it comes before the Knesset plenum.

Hasson argued that the heated public debate surrounding the ultra-Orthodox sector is driven by narrow political interests rather than genuine concern for the country's future. He emphasized that religious leaders are respected figures in every community worldwide, yet in Israel they face attempts to undermine and harm them. He highlighted the importance of Jewish heritage and Torah study as integral to the nation's strength, stating, "Without the Torah, there is no state and no answer."

Addressing economic criticisms aimed at the ultra-Orthodox sector, Hasson challenged the accuracy of the data presented to the public. He explained that when government budgets are divided among the approximately 1.5 million ultra-Orthodox population, the allocation amounts to about 4,000 shekels per person annually, not monthly. He contrasted this with the massive revenues of large corporations and accused critics of unfairly portraying the ultra-Orthodox as harming the economy, calling it a baseless deception.