MK Margi Says Basic Law on Torah Study Reminds Supreme Court Judges of Israel’s Heritage

During a Knesset plenary session debating the Basic Law on Torah Study, MK Yaakov Margi of Shas criticized Supreme Court judges, accusing them of losing their moral compass. Margi said the law aims to remind the judges of Israel’s heritage and values, urging them to consider Jewish tradition, prophetic vision, and morality when ruling on public matters. He emphasized that Torah study does not require legislation to exist, as it has endured through centuries of persecution and remains central to Israeli society.

Margi also addressed the public controversy surrounding the law, acknowledging the widespread criticism but shifting focus to honor IDF soldiers, reservists, wounded veterans, and bereaved families. He praised their dedication as a supreme value in Jewish tradition, citing the biblical figure Nahshon ben Aminadav as an example. Concluding his speech, Margi apologized to soldiers and bereaved families for the political debates that often exploit their sacrifices.

The Basic Law on Torah Study seeks to enshrine Torah study as a fundamental value and guide courts to incorporate Jewish ethics and tradition in their decisions, reflecting ongoing tensions between religious and secular perspectives in Israel’s legal system.