Speaking to Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid was questioned over his silence vis-à-vis the storm surrounding Israel Railways’ maintenance work on Shabbos. Lapid explained that he is willing to challenge the chareidim when he feels the need but has no interest in fighting with them for the sake of fighting and this is the case here. He feels “this is not a matter of religious and secular, but a story of a Prime Minister and a minister who take 200,000 people and turn them into pawns in their political battle. I am not willing to build from hate”.
Lapid is referring to in-fighting and power plays between PM Netanyahu and some of his ministers.
In fact, Lapid would not make a definitive statement on the railway and the chilul Shabbos, adding “I am not opposed to closing but AM:PM (convenience stores that operate on Shabbos) is not a matter of ideology”. Regarding the religious status quo Lapid stated “Is there someone in the world who knows what the religious status quo is? Is there one person in Israel who knows and understands what the status quo is?”
A Channel 2 News poll released in Israel this week shows that Yesh Atid would emerge the largest party in Israel if elections are held today.
Many an expert and political analyst have discussed the poll since it was released, and more than a few of them explain Lapid and his team are out and moving about without a break, working tirelessly to meet with Israelis around the country. The add that Lapid still believes in IDF service for chareidim and still believes all Israeli children must be taught math and English, but when he meets thousands of people monthly, as he does, he does not utter a negative word against anyone, but opts to focus on his policies, plans, vision and the positive, which seems to be a welcome breath of fresh air for voters.
In addition, when speaking in the Diaspora, he absolutely will not utter a word against the coalition despite the fact that he is a member of the opposition – explaining “I am a representative of the Knesset when traveling abroad. I will air my dirty laundry in the Knesset, not while abroad”.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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5 Responses
The words of a Rabbi Shach came to me when reading that ALL Isreali children must learn math and English.
Rabbi Shach said and I am paraphrasing him: The most educated country in the 20th century was Germany and looked what they did (the Holocaust).
I find it arrogant and hypocritical to ask anyone to study secular subjects when studying the words (Torah and Talmud) of the Almighty (HaShem) who is the only REAL teacher !!!
A goy,
Gerry Mullen
PS: In a recent high school state wide exam, held in Israel, the frum students scored better than their secular counter parts !! South Koreans are studying the Torah believing it will increase the ability of their children !!
B’vah’chah’shah, may I suggest all Jews study More Talmud, do More Davvening and More Chessed !! MT, MD & MC. —- a low character, low moral, high tempered GOY !!
He’s completely untrustworthy. He talks nice when he’s not in office, but when he got in last time, he completely changed his tune and showed his true colors.
I wouldn’t trust this con for a minute. What im sure about is that he was against the torah. That he did tshuva or only for the votes, that I’m not so sure. He’s after all a politician (aka political clown).
A really responsible, mature and thoughtful comment from an Israeli politician. This could be the beginning of a new trend in Israeli politics, an MK without his foot in his mouth. How refreshing.
Ridiculous.Most jobs in Israel don’t need English,and most jobs everywhere don’t need math beyond basic arithmetic.On the other hand,every Jewish child needs an extensive Jewish education to be a true avoid H’.It’s time to require even secular Jews to learn Torah!