Bismuth Opens Draft Law Hearings: “The Study of Torah Also Carries Immense Value”
The Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee convened Monday for the first formal discussion of the new draft law, led by Committee Chairman MK Boaz Bismuth. At the opening of the session, Bismuth delivered an unusually expansive and emotional address, emphasizing both the security needs the bill aims to address and the spiritual significance of Torah learning within the Jewish people.
Bismuth began by noting the weight of the moment. “On this day, the entire Jewish people are watching us,” he said. “I would dare say, even the generations before us and those that will come after us. This is a rare moment in the history of the nation. The Knesset is being asked to decide not only on a law — and not only on a historic law — but on a correction.”
He insisted that the bill should not be viewed through a partisan lens. “The draft law we bring today is not an issue of coalition and opposition. It belongs to the entire State of Israel. It was born from the existential need to strengthen national security, while preserving the delicate social fabric, the world of Torah, and the ability to live together.”
Bismuth went on to describe the sense of responsibility he feels not only as a committee chairman, but as a Jew. “At this time, my ancestors are also looking at me — those who gave their lives to preserve the Torah of Israel and our ancient heritage. Beyond the urgent security need, this law reflects a resounding statement: the study of Torah has immense value, because it guards the spiritual core of our nation.”
He argued that the legislation, even with the changes expected throughout the committee discussions, would ultimately reveal a simple truth: “Whoever votes for it is voting for the future of the State of Israel. Whoever opposes it shows that he prefers small political games over the security of the country — positioning over national interest.”
According to Bismuth, the law represents the first time the government is presenting a clear, stable, data-driven framework developed in coordination with the IDF. “This framework gives certainty — to the army, to the Torah world, and to every citizen. Finally, there will be order.”
He said the proposal will “restore trust, restore fairness, and ultimately strengthen unity among us. The era of confusion is ending.” He added that future generations will judge how today’s leaders fortified the army, strengthened society, and unified the country.
Bismuth acknowledged that critics will continue to argue that the law either does too little or imposes insufficient sanctions, but warned against absolutism. He referenced the painful lessons of history, noting that national ruin often followed an inability to compromise. “The zealots always rejected imperfect solutions; they drew their vitality from division,” he said.
Reflecting on recent years, he recalled “three turbulent years — one of internal conflict, and two of war against cruel enemies who committed the worst atrocities since the founding of the state.” The public, he said, now seeks calm, clarity, and truth. “We cannot leap from zero to one hundred after decades of delaying a decision.”
Bismuth also addressed the relationship with the chareidi community, urging reconciliation. “There are those among us who spent years urging peace with our most bitter enemies. All the more so, I expect them to make peace with our chareidi brothers. The world of Torah is central to our identity. We should not clash with them; we should advance together toward our shared goal, with mutual respect.”
He concluded his remarks with a prayer that the nation overcome internal divisions “to put an end to our troubles and suffering, and to enact — together, coalition and opposition — a historic correction for the good of the entire nation.”
Bismuth then closed with the verse, “Vehi noam… May the pleasantness of Hashem our G-d be upon us, and establish for us the work of our hands; yes, establish the work of our hands,” and the committee officially opened deliberations on the proposed law.
{Matzav.com}
