Chacham Ovadiah: Cancel Bein Hazemanim Due to Draft Law Proposal

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rav-ovadiah-yosefChacham Ovadiah Yosef, head of the Moetzet Chachmei Hatorah of Shas, in his weekly drasha last night, discussed the current effort by the Israel government to formulate a system for the drafting of yeshiva bochurim.

At the same time, thousands of protesters rallied in Tel Aviv demanding an extension of compulsory military or community service to all Israelis.

The draft issue, which has raised passions between partners in Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s coalition government, was debated by his Likud party today. Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz of Kadima, Likud’s main coalition partner, had threatened to resign if the exemptions remain, but at a meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday, there were signs that a compromise could be in the works.

Indeed, today, Netanyahu and Mofaz reportedly agreed to form a special committee to draft universal service legislation based on the Plesner Committee’s recommendations. The team will be led by Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Ya’alon of Likud and MK Yochanan Plesner of Kadima, for whom the Plesner Committee is named.  Representatives of the Defense, Finance and Justice ministries will also participate. The proposal is to be presented at the next cabinet meeting.

Military service is compulsory for most Israelis over the age of 18, with men serving three years and women two. Chareidim and Arab Israelis are excluded under the Tal Law, passed in 2002 but ruled unconstitutional in February by Israel’s Supreme Court which ordered that it must become void by August 1.

Speaking at his drasha, Chacham Ovadia Yosef said that the upcoming summer bein hazemanim for yeshiva bochurim should be cancelled, as government officials keep calling for a more equitable sharing of the burden of defending the country.

“We are surrounded by enemies,” Chacham Ovadiah said. “We have Iran, we have Hezbollah. What can save us? Only limud haTorah. We are in great trouble and we cannot afford to lessen limud haTorah. I would ask the roshei yeshivos in Eretz Yisroel that, if possible, they should not institute bein hazemanim this year. Instead, the talmidim should learn and be mechazeik themselves in Torah. If we do this, the Ribono Shel Olam will do his part.”

{Matzav.com Israel News Bureau}


10 COMMENTS

  1. “Plesner, Ya’alon hope to draft universal conscription law in two days…”

    As that famous saying goes from a certain shoe company…

    “Just do it !”

  2. We have maran horav hogon ruv ovadia shlita to tell us what to do. His words are based totally in halucha and kabula. We don’t need your advice. When you become the gadol hadur then give the oilam eitzo.

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