Today marks 1,000 days since the tragic events of October 7, 2023. It has been 1,000 days since the failure that led to the massacre. We remember the hostages and honor the heroism of hundreds of ordinary citizens who saved dozens of young people from the hands of Hamas. Moreover, these are 1,000 days of an ongoing war, with grueling, open fronts in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.

Passing a Law That Deepens the Wound

In this painful and volatile context, yesterday, July 1, 2026, the Knesset plenum passed the controversial Basic Law: Torah Study (Hok Yesod: Limud HaTorah) in its first reading, with 63 votes in favor and 53 against. Promoted by MKs Moshe Gafni and Yaakov Asher, this legislation seeks to establish a constitutional precedent with profound implications.

Declaratively, the law establishes Torah study as a fundamental value in the heritage of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. However, the underlying intent is to use this declaration to create an artificial “balance of justice” against other constitutional values and rights in the country.

In practice, by legislating Torah study as a fundamental value, the true goal is to constitutionally anchor the military draft exemption for yeshiva students. This ensures they continue receiving state financial benefits.

Jewish Identity vs. Civic Duties

Anyone can understand why, in the Jewish State, Torah study holds an incalculable and unquestionable value as a pillar of national identity. Yet, a valid question arises: Why should this noble pursuit exempt students from their civic duties and from defending their country? Furthermore, who claims that the Haredim are the only ones studying Torah? The law’s phrasing suggests the State of Israel views a........

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