Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein can breathe easy, as an acceptable solution has been reached to permit him to address the official 70th Independence Day Torch Lighting Ceremony.
In the shadow of the contacts between the Knesset Speaker and the Prime Minister, it seems that the two have reached a compromise in which PM Netanyahu will be honored to light the torch but will not speak, and Edelstein, who will address the forum, will not absent himself as he threatened to do.
In an attempt to resolve the crisis surrounding the torch lighting ceremony, Edelstein’s office confirmed that contacts were being held between the two, which met on Sunday, 23 Nissan, in order to reach a compromise formula acceptable to all parties, including Minister Miri Regev, who agreed to remove PM Netanyahu from the list of speakers. Officials in Edelstein’s office on Sunday afternoon did acknowledge the agreement but added the matter has not yet been finalized.
No mention is made in the report regarding an address by President Reuven Rivlin. Edelstein stated he did not want the president to speak either, and at this point it remains unclear if Mr. Rivlin will or will not address the official state ceremony.
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
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One Response
This extremely serious halachic question needs to be carefully examined. Is “lighting a torch” mi’d’oraisa or mi’d’rabbonon? Especially since this year it is not being observed “bi’zmano.” Is honoring the PM a chiuv min haTorah or only mi’d’rabbonon? Is speaking at the ceremony part of the “hadlaka” or is it a separate mitzva? Is there a minimum shiur for the length of a speech at this ceremony? All important issues that need to be resolved before the celebration can take place.
The independence day celebration is a farce with or without Edelstein.