Critic Slams Torah Study Bill as Coercion, Not Equality

Yossi Ahimeir sharply criticizes the proposed Basic Law, “Torah Study,” arguing that while Torah learning is important, it should not be equated with service by IDF soldiers and security forces. He says that if he were a Knesset member, he is unsure he would support the bill, even though coalition discipline might have forced him to vote for it. He notes that two Likud lawmakers voted against the party line, apparently without endangering the bill or embarrassing the coalition, and says that in such cases an MK should sometimes be allowed to follow conscience.

Ahimeir says the bill, advanced by MK Moshe Gafni, would effectively grant state recognition and budgets to people who commit to long-term Torah study as performing significant service to the state and the Jewish people. “Behind every law,” he writes, “beyond the beautiful words, beyond the Torah, lies the money, and that is the main thing.” He accuses the ultra-Orthodox parties of exploiting the pre-election period and the pressure on Likud to extract budgetary gains through religious legislation, which he says deepens resentment among secular and traditional Israelis.

He rejects the comparison between Torah students and those who defend Israel, saying that for 78 years the state’s survival has depended on the courage and sacrifice of people in uniform, including his own secular grandson, who served two years in combat in Gaza and saw death, destruction, and wounded soldiers. He argues that the comparison is especially unacceptable while Israel is fighting those who seek its destruction. He adds that if the ultra-Orthodox want recognition, they should also accept core studies, and he calls for more Jewish core education in secular schools as well.

The article also denounces violent ultra-Orthodox protests, including clashes with police, roadblocks, and attacks on police officers, judges, and senior officials. Ahimeir asks whether such acts, which prevent people from reaching hospitals, clinics, or army units, are not a desecration of Torah and a form of brotherly hatred. He says the country has reached the limit of tolerance toward this coercion, and calls for sanctions if the conduct continues, including cutting budgets and protecting ultra-Orthodox youths who do enlist. In his view, measured Torah study, including in secular schools, is valuable, but extortion is not.