An oppositional voice has risen against the recent moves of religious Zionism in the fields of religion and state. The “Jewish Religious Services” bill, promoted by the Shas party and religious Zionism, aims to appoint neighborhood rabbis, regional rabbis, and city rabbis based on the votes of the Minister of Religious Services and the Chief Rabbinate Council. However, this law has sparked intense discussion among rabbis and is met with widespread resistance.
In a surprising turn of events, the Minister of Heritage, Simcha Rothman, has joined the audit. This move has drawn criticism from Eliyahu, an outspoken opponent of religious Zionism’s actions in matters of religion and state. On Twitter, Eliyahu expressed his discomfort with criticizing coalition partners, particularly Rothman, whom he acknowledges as doing important work in the balancing of the judiciary and legislature. However, he strongly believes that the Law of the Rabbis of the Cities, supported by the religious Zionist party, seriously harms the Zionist Torah world and the connection of the public to Jewish values.
Eliyahu further questioned Rothman’s involvement in such a move, considering his respected position and involvement in initiatives to save the State of Israel. Eliyahu’s opposition to the moves made by the “Religious Zionism” party regarding religion and state aligns with his ongoing criticism of their actions, often carried out in collaboration with the Shas party.
Previously, Minister Eliyahu had criticized the law during its initial promotion. He noted the unusual convening of the government to solely discuss changing the rules of rabbinic elections, without addressing pressing matters such as terrorism, anarchy, police violence against settlers, or administrative arrests. Eliyahu highlighted the need to focus on other areas of concern within the country.
The debate around the “Jewish Religious Services” bill continues, with opposition voices like Eliyahu raising concerns about its potential impact on the Zionist Torah world and the religious-traditional public’s connection to Jewish values. As discussions persist, it remains to be seen how this legislation will progress and what implications it may have for the religious landscape in Israel.