A discussion was held in the Knesset Finance Committee following a probe by MK Uri Maklev towards determining if funds allocated by the Mifal HaPayis National Lottery to build thousands of classrooms are kosher. Maklev feels slot machines operated by the lottery are not, and therefore, the funds generated are equally not kosher.
Maklev, who called for the Knesset committee discussion, explained from his point of view, monies generated by these slot machines “are not a source of bracha”, questioning the use of these funds to build classrooms as in many cases, the slot machines result in a “black hole” for people seeking to strike it rich. Maklev feels these funds are ‘not kosher’ as they are the result of enticing people who fantasize becoming wealthy and all too often, the opposite occurs. He feels building classrooms with such funds ultimately results in pain and anguish among families who are sensitive to such a reality.
Maklev feels the state should build classrooms rather than relying on such funds. He feels these funds should be used by the state to treat and rehabilitate persons addicted to gambling, to cure them of this so they resume a normal life.
Maklev on Wednesday morning 14 Tammuz spoke to Moti Lavi of Kol Chai Radio, explaining he personally has seen families and lives ruined because of an addiction to gambling, and in this case, it is state-sponsored.
Representatives of the lottery taking part in the discussion were in favor of shutting down the slot machines but explained they cannot due to an agreement between the lottery and the treasury. Maklev stated shutting down the slot machines would result in a drastic reduction in the lotter’s income and therefore, he does not believe the lottery officials actually support shutting them down.
Committee chair MK Moshe Gafne turned to representatives of the treasury and lottery, asking them to reach an “understanding and then present this to the committee”.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
When the government claims a given revenue source (a specific tax, or in this case, lottery revenues) are for a specific project (in this case, education), the government is lying, at least in the situation whereby the program is also funded from general revenue, meaning that every cent received from the lottery means less is spent on education paid for from taxes. If it is acceptable for a frum school to accept money from the (non-frum) Israeli government, it shouldn’t matter whether that money comes from a lottery, or a tax, or is “printed” by the central bank.