During a special Knesset plenum session on Wednesday addressing the comments of Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, against the chareidi community, Minister of Education Gideon Saar came to his defense regarding his remarks that chareidi education breeds ignorance. Saar made an effort to explain that Huldai is simply concerned for the future of the nation. The minister stated that we must admit that Huldai’s remarks are not unfounded in fact and in truth, the situation is worrisome. He tried to explain that one must address the subject matter and realize that the mayor is not entirely mistaken.

MK (Yahadut HaTorah) Uri Maklev lashed out at the minister for backing Huldai’s remarks, warning in recent weeks, the incitement campaign against chareidim has gained momentum and it should be sounding an alarm. He asked fellow lawmakers if there is anyone seeking to halt the trend, questioning who is behind the incitement, and if there is truth to the defamatory statements against an entire community.

The term “religious coercion” has been played out and the general public does not buy into it, Maklev explained. Regarding Huldai, Maklev questions his motive, seeking to understand just why the mayor opted to focus his remarks in the direction he did while Tel Aviv is plagued with crime, education problems, economic problems, drugs and alcohol, yet for Huldai, it appears the chareidi problem was the most disturbing.

An exchange of words ensued between Maklev and Saar, with Maklev going on the offensive, insisting the true agenda is not the lack of education in the chareidi community, but the disdain for the entire community and the way of life.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)