Rabbi Yossi Gamliel Urges Leaders to Protest Controversial Basic Law on Torah Study

Rabbi Yossi Gamliel, head of the Ma'ale Gilboa Yeshiva and a reserve tank company commander, concluded 90 days of reserve duty in the Gaza Strip and returned to his yeshiva. Upon his return, he issued a strong statement opposing the proposed Basic Law on Torah Study, calling on public leaders, yeshiva heads, and Torah scholars to protest in defense of the Torah's honor.

Rabbi Gamliel expressed hope that the law would place Torah study at the center of Israeli life and serve as a unifying and motivating force for the nation. However, he lamented that the law seems to have the opposite effect, turning Torah study into a divisive issue and a source of exemption from military service and civic participation.

Linking his military service to his religious leadership, Rabbi Gamliel emphasized that Torah should inspire action, partnership, and defense of the state. He highlighted that his yeshiva teaches that Torah encompasses both study and military service, quoting traditional sayings that stress the importance of translating learning into deeds.

He appealed directly to leaders to prevent the Torah from becoming a political battleground or a cause for division and draft evasion. Rabbi Gamliel concluded by urging that the law be abandoned so that Torah remains a source of unity and strength for Israel's independence and resilience.