Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri welcomed the vote, calling it “the beginning of a historic correction.”
By United with Israel Staff
The Knesset on Wednesday approved the Basic Law: Torah Study in its first reading, advancing legislation that would grant constitutional recognition to Torah study as a fundamental value of the State of Israel.
The bill passed by a vote of 63-47 after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed the measure and secured support from lawmakers who had remained undecided until shortly before the vote.
The proposed Basic Law seeks to give constitutional recognition to Torah study as a foundational value of the State of Israel and to establish the status of Torah scholars within Israel’s constitutional framework.
The legislation was promoted by MK Moshe Gafni and Shas as part of a long-standing effort to anchor the importance of Torah learning in Israeli law.
Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri welcomed the vote, calling it “the beginning of a historic correction.”
“Tonight we raised the banner of Torah,” Deri said. “The approval of the Basic Law: Torah Study in its first reading marks the beginning of a historic correction and recognition by the State of Israel of the supreme value of Torah and the status of Torah scholars, who carry on their shoulders the spiritual existence of the Jewish people.”
He added that he hopes the legislation will complete the legislative process “to permanently establish the status of Torah and the honor due to those who dedicate their lives to its study.”
MK Meir Porush also praised the measure, describing it as “an important and essential law.”
“This is a step in the right direction,” Porush said. “Today’s vote sends a message that there is respect for Torah scholars and for those who devote themselves to Torah study.”
The bill must now be reviewed in committee before returning to the Knesset for its second and third readings. If approved, it will become one of Israel’s Basic Laws, giving constitutional recognition to the value of Torah study.
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