Ultra-Orthodox MP launches scathing attack on Religious Zionism: ‘Torah study cannot be compromised’

An ultra-Orthodox member of Israel’s parliament has launched a sharp attack on the Religious Zionist movement, accusing it of diluting Jewish religious study with secular concerns. Uri Maklev, representing the Haredi Torah Judaism faction, made the comments following meetings with yeshiva students, expressing deep concern about what he views as a fundamental compromise of Jewish values.

Maklev argued that the study of Torah represents the cornerstone of ultra-Orthodox Jewish identity and survival, and cannot be combined with other ideological or national priorities. ‘Torah study is our right to exist. We cannot place other things alongside it. We are dealing with tremendous damage,’ he stated, signalling the ongoing ideological rift between the ultra-Orthodox and Religious Zionist communities in Israel.

The comments reflect longstanding tensions within Israel’s religious Jewish community over the balance between religious observance and Zionist nationalism. Ultra-Orthodox parties have historically maintained that devotion to Torah study should remain the primary focus of Jewish life, whilst Religious Zionism seeks to integrate religious Jewish practice with active participation in Israeli national life and military service.

Maklev’s criticism has sparked responses from across the political and religious spectrum, highlighting the continuing debate over how different sections of Israel’s Jewish population should define their relationship with both religious tradition and the State of Israel itself.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.