Knesset approves Basic Law on Torah study in first reading

Legal experts have said that Torah study as a Basic Law could result in an exemption from military service.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israel’s Knesset approved the proposed Basic Law: Torah Study in its first reading on Wednesday, advancing legislation that would recognize Torah study as a fundamental constitutional value in the heritage of the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

The bill, sponsored by Knesset members Moshe Gafni, Yaakov Asher and Yitzhak Pindrus, passed by a vote of 63-53.

Under the proposal, Torah study would be defined as a “fundamental value” in an effort, according to its sponsors, to establish constitutional balance with other basic values.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the debate and voted in favor of the legislation. Four coalition lawmakers voted against the measure: Yuli Edelstein, Dan Illouz, Sharren Haskel and Moshe Solomon.

Legal experts have warned that if the rights of military service members and Torah students come into conflict, the proposed Basic Law could give constitutional preference to Torah study.

The legislation drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders.

Beyachad chairman Naftali Bennett said, “Immediately after the new government is formed, we will repeal the Basic Law of Torah Humiliation. The law will disappear, but the mark of shame on the miserable Knesset members who supported it will remain.”

Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot said, “The attempt to turn draft evasion into a Basic Law is a direct blow to our national backbone. At a time when the burden on those who serve is reaching record levels and the price they pay is unbearable, the coalition is choosing to create a bypass route for draft evasion.”

Supporters of the measure argued that the legislation restores the status of Torah study within the Jewish state.

During the Knesset debate, Yitzhak Pindrus said Torah study is the highest value in the State of Israel, above military service.

Gafni said, “In recent years there has been a degradation in the honor of the Torah. Therefore, under the instruction of the leading Torah sages, I decided to bring this Basic Law to restore the honor of the Torah, which has sustained the Jewish people for thousands of years and distinguishes us from all other nations.”

United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf said the proposal was intended “to recognize the Torah of Israel that was given at Mount Sinai,” adding that Torah students should not be treated “as though he were a thief.”