Minister of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, Meir Porush, delivered a special speech this evening (Wednesday) at the central assembly to mark Jerusalem Day at the Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva - and addressed attacks by public figures from religious Zionism on the conscription law for yeshiva students.
""It's no secret that we don't come from the same Beit Midrash," said Porush. "We greatly appreciate each other. There are also things in the Beit Midrash here that are truly admirable, and I hope that you also see things in our Beit Midrash that are admirable. As the sages say, "Nehara, Nehara, and Pashtia.".
Minister Porush added: "There are times when we need to unite together. Times when the entire yeshiva world needs to know and understand that only if it joins hands together, despite the complexities and despite the differences, will its strength be maintained and even strengthened in the people of Israel.".
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""I don't think you'll find in my not-so-short public history any statements, God forbid, against Seder yeshivas. I think my past shows that I have always advocated cooperation and a connection between the ultra-Orthodox public and the national religious public, and in my various roles I have also dealt with this a lot.
""Now, I turn to you, members of religious Zionism in particular and the religious yeshiva world in particular - this is our time to unite, to act together, in partnership, for the strengthening of the world of Torah and yeshiva.".
""I don't deny the complexities between us, the differences in approaches, but we need to resolve this between us. On both sides, there are public figures of sufficient stature who can gather in the room and reach a proper and respectful solution that preserves the world of Torah and yeshiva.".
""However, it is not appropriate for religious Zionists to criticize our conduct and the continuity of Torah study with us over many years.".
Minister Porush emphasized: "I want to send reinforcement from here to the students of the Rabbi Center in particular and to all the soldiers who are currently fighting in the battle against the vile murderers, to pray with you that they will be able to defeat the cruel enemy and quickly bring the kidnapped people home safely.".
