Speaking with Kikar Shabbat, MK (Bayit Yehudi) Ayelet Shaked explained the procedure in Knesset towards passing a government sponsored bill into law. Shaked stated that in the case of the ‘sharing the burden’ bill there will be a special committee dealing with the law, and she is likely to be the chair of this committee. Unlike the ministerial committees that usually deal with bills of this nature, this committee will not only contain cabinet ministers but also members of the opposition. “I would be very happy if chareidi MKs are among those on the committee so we can speak and discuss matters towards reaching an understanding.”
Regarding Arabs, Shaked explains there is a difference between Arabs and Muslims. Today about 3,000 Muslim women are in national service programs. She points out that from the other side of the coin; the state is not interested in funding programs for that sector to perform national service.
Shaked understands that without cooperation from chareidi leaders a law dictating new realities on the chareidi community will be ineffective. However she feels there are a number of areas of responsibilities, “burdens” and one of those is limud Torah, which the chareidim have been fulfilling. Now that same tzibur must begin fulfilling the responsibility of the security burden.
“I understand one who wishes to learn Torah day and night will never serve and such a person will continue learning even in poverty. However I feel the law is fair because everyone is permitted to continue learning for a number of years and the handful of those who are truly serious will be granted a deferment. Those wishing to learn a half day will then do community service for half a day, which is also a mitzvah, and then learn the other half so we all win.” She remains confident that in 5-7 years everyone will realize this formula works.
Shaked believes this must be a gradual process and it will take a decade until 5,000 chareidim serve in the IDF or a national service program. She feels there is room for the majority which will be willing to split their time between Torah study and service.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
Message to Shaked :shhh! pipe down little girl
if you pay attention,you will notice Shaked & co. are ever deftly moving back from their more pugnacious verbosities of a couple months back.
Keep the push and and the rout will be on.
Alot of bologni! If she really really felt that Torah learning was a responsibility then why rock the boat. Better yet if it is a responsibility and the boat needs to be rocked then the time has come to conscript the general population in Israel to at the very least be kove’a ittim llimud Torah. When she says limud Torah is a responsibility she is just paying lip service in order that one should think she is coming from a place that understands both sides. Less than 1% of Jews in the world actually dedicate their lives to full time learning. Even that small nachas has to be taken away from the Almighty?