Despite growing doubts within Israel’s political system about the prospects of passing legislation that would regulate the status of yeshiva students, Shas MK Michael Malkieli insists that his party has no intention of giving up. In a forceful interview, Malkieli addressed criticism of the chareidi parties’ conduct within the coalition and stressed that Shas remains committed to pursuing solutions, even as the legal and political obstacles become increasingly difficult.

“We cannot sleep peacefully while talmidei chachamim are being arrested,” Malkieli said. “We simply cannot. The reality in which yeshiva students are afraid to walk the streets is an indictment against Klal Yisroel, and we cannot accept it.”

He said Shas chairman Aryeh Deri is investing tremendous time and effort in trying to resolve the issue of yeshiva student arrests rather than choosing the easier path of withdrawing or surrendering.

“We are trying to find a solution,” Malkieli explained. “Yes, it is difficult, lengthy, and exhausting. Perhaps in the end we will not succeed, but we cannot stand by and do nothing.”

Malkieli also rejected claims that the chareidi public was misled throughout the government’s term by promises that never materialized. He argued that the decision not to push draft legislation earlier was made in coordination with rabbinic leadership and reflected an effort to establish a stronger legal foundation for the law.

“There was an understanding that we wanted to secure legal backing from the Knesset for this legislation,” he said. “Anyone claiming otherwise is simply not telling the truth.”

He noted that once it became clear there was no majority for advancing the daycare subsidy legislation, Shas was prepared to take significant political steps, including supporting efforts to dissolve the Knesset.

When asked about the likelihood of future legislation succeeding, Malkieli avoided making predictions and instead emphasized responsibility and perseverance.

“It is not our job to be optimistic or pessimistic. Our job is to work hard,” he said. “The public and the gedolei Torah sent us to work tirelessly. The easiest thing would be to throw down the keys and say it cannot be done. We did not choose that path.”

He pointed to previous occasions when observers predicted that chareidi initiatives would fail, only for Shas to successfully advance major measures involving religious services and local religious councils.

Malkieli also addressed tensions between Shas and elements within United Torah Judaism, calling for greater unity among the chareidi parties.

“The time has come for genuine unity,” he said. “We face so many challenges. There is absolutely no reason to provide fuel to those who oppose religion. They are motivated enough without help from within our own camp.”

He stressed that Shas is not engaged in attacks or briefings against its political partners and said Deri remains focused on strengthening the Torah world rather than internal disputes.

Concluding the interview, Malkieli delivered a direct message to the avreichim and yeshiva students currently being held in military prisons.

“You are not imprisoned because of a personal offense,” he said. “You are representatives of the entire community. The entire chareidi public, the gedolei Torah, and the roshei yeshiva stand behind you and support you. You are the locomotives pulling Klal Yisroel forward.”

He added, “We do not believe in violence or in methods that are not the way of Torah. But we say clearly: we are not afraid of anyone, and we do not bow our heads before anyone. Anyone who thinks he can crush the Torah world simply does not understand Jewish history.”

{Matzav.com}