MK Nissim Zeev. 'Reflect Jewish character of state'
Photo: Zoom 77
Proposal: Emblazon belief in Creator on money
Bill put forth by Shas MK Nissim Zeev proposes printing money with 'We believe in the Creator' emblazoned on them; 'it will serve as daily reminder to all Jews of our faith,' he says. MK Tibi: Bizarre, out-of-place bill
A new bill was proposed Monday by Shas
MK Nissim Zeev that stipulates that Israeli paper money will be emblazoned with the sentence: "We believe in the Creator."
"Money and bills are the center of our life, and it is befitting that the money issued by the State of Israel will be a reminder of Jewish faith," explained MK Zeev. "Even those who don't uphold the mitzvoth will be reminded in this way of the foundation of the religion of Israel."
Zeev continued, "This declaration is a confirmation of the connection between Israel, the Torah, and the principles of the Jewish faith. It should be noted in this context that similar declarations are printed on money issued in other countries, including American bills – 'In God we trust.'"
MK Zeev said to Ynet, "We live in a Jewish and democratic state and want to apply this in practice. Democracy exists in the State of Israel, but what about the character of the Jewish state? How does this come to fruition? The people of Israel returned to the land of Israel after 2000 years in exile thanks to their faith. The nation survived because of its faith, and we are in the week of Tisha B'Av, the destruction of the Temple."
Zeev elaborated, "The goal of the bill is to remind every Jew that he needs to believe in the Creator. From my perspective, we can start with the larger bills of 100 and 200, and slowly work down to the other bills. We need to know that the bigger the bill, the greater the faith in God. Arabs should not have a problem with the wording because they also believe in the Creator."
MK Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al) was outraged by the bill. "This is a bizarre bill that has no place (in our society). Member of Knesset Nissim Zeev is a real gem in the parliament… I believe that on the money bills, alongside the declaration that there is a Creator, it should be declared that the same Creator created Zeev himself. No doubt this is an exemplary intellectual initiative that represents the confluence refined good taste and creative thinking."
