Israeli Knesset Passes Basic Law on Torah Study in Historic Vote
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
The Israeli Knesset passed a Basic Law recognizing Torah study as a fundamental national value, with Prime Minister Netanyahu absent from the vote. The law was championed by religious party leaders as a historic affirmation of Jewish heritage and identity.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The Knesset approved the Basic Law: Torah Study, making it a core national value.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend the vote on the law.
- Moshe Gafni called the law a historic step linking Israel to Jewish heritage.
- Aryeh Deri said the law honors the Torah's role in Jewish identity and statehood.
- Yaakov Asher emphasized Torah study as a spiritual foundation for the Jewish people.
- The law reflects religious parties' influence in shaping Israel's national identity.
The Israeli Knesset approved the Basic Law: Torah Study in its second and third readings, initiated by Moshe Gafni, chairman of the Degel HaTorah party. The law establishes Torah study as a fundamental value in the heritage of the Jewish people and the State of Israel, officially adding it as a new Basic Law. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was absent from the vote.
Moshe Gafni hailed the legislation as a historic step, emphasizing that Torah study has preserved the Jewish people across generations and diasporas. He stated that the law reconnects the State of Israel with eternal values foundational to Jewish identity and will serve as a moral compass for the nation.
Aryeh Deri, leader of the Shas party, also praised the law, calling it a historic milestone recognizing the supreme value of the Torah and its scholars. He highlighted the Torah’s role in maintaining Jewish identity through exile and inspiring the return to Israel. Deri framed the law as a victory for the Torah world and a rebuke to those who have sought to undermine yeshiva students.
Likewise, Knesset member Yaakov Asher expressed support, quoting Saadia Gaon on the inseparability of the Jewish nation and its Torah. He described Torah study as a way of life for the Haredi community and the spiritual foundation that sustained the Jewish people through hardships. Asher concluded with a biblical reference underscoring spiritual strength over physical force.
The law’s passage marks the first time the State of Israel formally enshrines Torah study as a core national value, reflecting the influence of religious parties in the Knesset and their vision for the country’s identity.
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