A historic step: 'The 'Basic Law on Torah Study' by Degel Hatorah Chairman MK Moshe Gafni was approved this evening (Wednesday) in the first reading, by a majority of 63 Knesset members, against 53 opponents.
Yuli Edelstein, Dan Iloz and Moshe Solomon from the coalition - opposed.
The explanatory notes to the proposal state: "When preparing the Basic Law bill for second and third reading, the Knesset committee will examine whether the proposed legislation has any implications for the conduct of government authorities in light of it. In the opinion of the Budget Division of the Ministry of Finance, at this stage it is not possible to estimate the budgetary cost of the legislation, as it is not clear what actions are derived from the proposed wording.".
MK Moshe Gafni Celebrated: "The state of the Jewish people is returning the honor of the Torah to its rightful place.""
MK Meir Porush He said: "This is an important and substantial law, which comes to confirm the obvious to every God-fearing Jew. Approval in the first reading is a step in the right direction, but we expect the law to be approved in this Knesset in the second and third readings.".
""The message coming out of the Knesset today is that there is respect for Torah scholars and the majority of Knesset members oppose the persecution of yeshiva students and kollel Abrahim.".
Chairman of the United Torah Judaism faction, MK Uri Maklev: Approval of the bill is a necessary and significant step on the path to restoring the proper status of Torah scholars. Those opposed to the law have chosen to disconnect from the roots and connection of the Jewish people to the Torah.
""The opposition to the law is based on populism, slander, and incitement against Torah scholars. The Torah does not need a Basic Law - it is the state that needs a Basic Law, because it has no right to exist without the Torah. At this time, when the Torah and the media have been trampled, it is our duty to anchor the status of the Torah and its honor. We will do this with mission, passion, and determination. And if the path requires a struggle - we will fight for it to the end.".
Chairman of Shas Aryeh Deri He said of Gafni's law: "Tonight we raised the Torah's banner! The approval in the first reading of the Basic Law: Torah Study, which the Shas movement led with determination, is the beginning of a historic amendment and recognition by the State of Israel of the supreme value of the Torah and the status of Torah students, who carry on their shoulders the spiritual existence of the Jewish people.".
""With God's help, we will continue until the legislation is completed in second and third readings, in order to once and for all anchor the status of the Torah and the respect it deserves."
Chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu Party, MK Avigdor Lieberman, said in response: "In order to preserve the bloc, Netanyahu is ready to dismantle the IDF and the entire Israeli society. The 'Basic Law on Blasphemy' will forever remain as the mark of Cain on the coalition of the October 7 massacre.".
Chairman of the 'Together' party, Naftali Bennett, is already sewing up a succession: "As soon as the new government is formed, we will repeal the Basic Law on the Desecration of the Torah. The law will disappear, but the mark of disgrace on the unfortunate members of Knesset who supported it will remain.".
""The IDF desperately needs 20,000 soldiers and today the Bibi-Deri-Smotrich coalition said again that political interests are more important than security."
MK Michael Malchieli In response to Bennett's statement that he will repeal the Basic Law on Torah Study in the next government: "Naftali, for now the Torah has abolished you. At the rate of collapse you are in, you need to bring votes from home. Tonight, more than ever, I am proud of the citizens of Israel who threw you home. The people of Israel live.".
