MK Maklev Condemns Sanctions Against Torah Students as Unprecedented Persecution

On Monday, MK Uri Maklev, chairman of the United Torah Judaism faction, delivered a passionate speech in the Knesset plenary during the debate on the Basic Law for Torah Study. He vehemently condemned the ongoing sanctions and punitive measures targeting yeshiva students and their families, describing the situation as an unprecedented campaign of hatred. Maklev stated, "There is no country in the world that persecutes Torah learners and their families like this." He emphasized that these sanctions are not mere legal enforcement but deliberate decrees aimed at undermining the Torah world.

Maklev drew a parallel between the current hardships faced by Torah students and the traditional period of mourning known as Bein HaMetzarim, saying, "These are not just days of mourning but have become days of arrests," referring to threats of sanctions and detentions against yeshiva members. He criticized the political system for turning attacks on Torah learners into a means of political advancement.

Concluding his speech, Maklev expressed confidence in the resilience of Torah students, calling them "the true defenders of the people of Israel." He invoked the example of Rabbi Akiva, who saw hope amid destruction, asserting that no decree can uproot the eternity of the Torah. Maklev declared that Torah students continue to uphold their mission with faith and determination, confronting all persecutors and agitators with the declaration, "Moshe is true and his Torah is true, and you are falsehoods," directly addressing opposition Knesset members and their allies.