Shas pushes tone-deaf Torah study law while soldiers die in Lebanon, Gaza - comment

Shas chairman Arye Deri's push to advance legislation known as Basic Law: Torah Study has been widely criticized as "tone-deaf" at a time when Israeli soldiers are engaged in active combat in southern Lebanon and Gaza. The proposed law aims to anchor the status of yeshiva students in Israeli law, a move that critics argue is insensitive to the sacrifices being made by those in military service.

The legislation initially included a provision that critics claimed equated long-term Torah study with military service, placing them on the same level regarding state rights and benefits. While this provision was revised following discussions in the Ministerial Committee for Legislation, the brazenness of advancing such a bill during wartime has drawn significant backlash. Columnist Kalman Liebskind noted a societal division between those worried about loved ones on the front lines and those not experiencing that fear, suggesting only the latter could propose such legislation.

Equating time spent in a study hall with the risks faced by soldiers in combat zones, sleeping in commandeered houses, fearing drone attacks, and enduring separation from family, is seen as undermining the morale of those defending the country. Deri's decision to announce his intention to advance the bill while visiting ultra-Orthodox draft evaders who had been arrested for ignoring draft orders has further fueled criticism. This action is perceived as a striking lack of humility and appreciation for the collective sacrifices being made.

While acknowledging the potential profound contribution of Torah study to the Jewish people and the State of Israel, critics argue that the timing and context of this legislative push demonstrate a disconnect from the current realities of conflict and national security. The bill's substance and the manner of its advancement reflect a perceived insensitivity to the broader societal concerns during a period of intense military engagement.