Minister of Housing (Shas) Ariel Atias on Monday attended a Yahadut HaTorah faction meeting, invited to take part in the meeting addressing the critical housing shortage in the chareidi community. Also discussed were recent efforts by lawmakers to compel more women to serve in the IDF, seeking to make obtaining a deferment from service for frum females increasingly difficult.

Rav Atias reported that in the matter of the induction of females into the IDF he has met with gedolei yisrael to discuss the matter. Another meeting to continue discussing the pressing issue is expected in the coming days. Whatever the outcome of another meeting may be, Yahadut HaTorah faction members explained they remain opposed to any and all changes regarding the status of the IDF draft for females.

Regarding the housing shortage, the MKs urged the housing minister to work towards renewing the sizable grant that newlyweds were once entitled to, an assistance package that made a significant difference in the ability of many couples to purchase a home. They explained the chareidi community is realistic and is willing to purchase homes in newly developing communities, in areas including Charish and Har Yonah near Nazareth, far from the center of the country. While they are willing to assist in serving the national agenda, to bring Jews to these areas, the price of land and paying for infrastructure remain too high and therefore, such purchases remain an unrealistic option for many or most couples.

They concluded the minister will try to arrange a meeting between Shas and Yahadut HaTorah together with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Dr. Yuval Shteinitz. They all agreed that an immediate solution must be sought.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)