The massive wave of protest that erupted like a volcano following the deputy mayor of Tel Aviv's remarks about removing tefillin stands from schools surprised many. Anti-religious elements have previously made statements of various kinds against Jewish values, and they did not provoke a particular response.
What happened this time?
It turns out that a very large public in Israel feels that it is subject to a growing, multi-pronged attack on its Jewishness and the basic values of the Jewish people. There is a sequence of things here, which may not be directly connected, but together they join a critical mass.
A video of an attack on purity. Shabbat buses. Silencing public figures who try to defend Jewish family values. High Court of Justice decisions to allow a supporter of terrorism to be elected to the Knesset and to prevent the return of an illegal resident to Africa (on illusory grounds, which in practice mean opening the country to millions of Africans, Egyptians, etc.). Incessant attacks on Judaism from all kinds of organizations and bodies, the common denominator of which is generous funding from foreign sources.
Tefillin protest
The general public feels a growing sense of suffocation. The declaration to remove tefillin stands from schools, as if they were stands selling alcohol and drugs, was the straw that broke the camel's back. The boiling lava that erupted expressed the protest of the masses against this attack on their identity and their Jewishness.
In retrospect, the courage turned out to be sweet. Suddenly it became clear how much the Israeli people, for the most part, are connected to tradition, respect the tefillin, and want to feel proud Jews. The flood of photos and videos that went viral fills you with excitement.
Mayors who announced the placement of tefillin stands throughout the city. High school students who requested and received permission to place tefillin stands in high schools. Public figures who went to the tefillin stands and proudly posed for photos adorned with tefillin. People who donated money to buy tefillin for their workplaces. Famous artists who went to the tefillin stands and joined the many in the exorcism.
This tremendous roar was also well received at the Tel Aviv City Hall. The mayor was quick to give an interview and clarify that "there is no new prohibition and no new guidelines," and that hundreds of tefillin stands are scattered throughout the city with the approval of the municipality (which is true). He also said that "any Chabad follower who wants to come to the schools, with approval of course, and give lectures on putting on tefillin is welcome to do so.".
Faith in the people of Israel
The mayor made another important statement: "I think it is extremely important that every boy and girl know their heritage, regardless of whether they are religious or not. And that includes knowing the prayers, the holidays, the rituals – and also tefillin.".
Let's hope that this will be implemented and that the values of Judaism will indeed be passed down to the children of Israel in Tel Aviv.
With that said, let's not kid ourselves. The entire network of bodies and organizations that have emerged in recent years, under their many names, working to weaken the Jewishness of the country and promote radical agendas – does not intend to disappear. At most, these will bow their heads a little before the surging wave, in order to once again erode the values of Judaism, tradition, and connection to the land.
But we believe in the positive forces that exist in the Jewish people, especially in the younger generation. When they answer it – it will increase and it will break out!
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