Rabbi Yair Paran Criticizes Basic Law on Torah Study, Calls for Inclusive Haredi Military Service
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Yair Paran criticized the Basic Law on Torah Study as divisive and disrespectful to the Torah, advocating for Haredi military service that respects religious identity. He called for equal draft obligations with gradual implementation and economic sanctions for evaders, while opposing voting rights removal. Paran also highlighted political leadership failures post-October 7 attacks and emphasized his commitment to serving the Jewish people.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Yair Paran says Basic Law on Torah Study demeans Torah and divides Israel.
- He calls for Haredi conscription respecting religious lifestyle and identity.
- Paran rejects the claim that Torah scholars are persecuted, blaming draft evasion enforcement.
- He criticizes government for politicizing the law ahead of elections.
- Paran supports gradual, equal conscription with economic sanctions but opposes voting rights removal.
- He stresses political leaders' failure to take responsibility after October 7 attacks.
Rabbi Yair Paran, head of the middle school division at Shacharit High School in Jerusalem and great-grandson of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, spoke to Channel 7 about the controversy surrounding the Basic Law on Torah Study and the public debate on Haredi conscription. Paran argued that while Torah study is a fundamental value in Israel, the law itself demeans the Torah and divides the nation by legally entrenching exemptions and draft evasion. He emphasized that Israel does not persecute Torah scholars but rather those who evade military service illegally.
Paran criticized the government, accusing it of pushing the law for political gain ahead of elections, sacrificing national values for another political term. He stressed that Haredi conscription should respect their lifestyle and identity, rejecting forced assimilation. He envisions a reality where Haredi men can enter and leave the army maintaining their religious identity, and suggested that separate service frameworks might be necessary to facilitate significant Haredi enlistment.
Addressing the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, Paran noted that while security officials took responsibility for failures, political leaders did not, causing a deep trust crisis between the public and government. On conscription, he insisted that mandatory service laws must apply equally to all citizens, with gradual implementation starting with non-students and economic sanctions for draft evaders, such as withholding state benefits. However, he opposed revoking voting rights for those who avoid service, calling it an extreme measure.
Regarding his family, Paran acknowledged differing opinions but maintained close relationships despite disagreements. He said his guiding principle, inherited from Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, is concern for the Jewish people and Torah world rather than preserving specific social frameworks. When asked about entering politics, Paran said he prefers to serve where he can best contribute to the nation and fulfill divine will, without committing to a political career.
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