Channels

Photo: Gil Yohanan
Education Minister Shay Piron
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Bnei Akiva's Danny Hirschberg

Bnei Akiva demands Zionist chief rabbi

At conference Bnei Akiva youth movement calls for appointment of Zionist chief rabbi; also bestows honorary membership on Jonathan Pollard, supports universal draft; 'Bnei Akiva must lead revolution,' urges Education Minister

The Bnei Akiva youth movement called for the appointment of a Zionist rabbi to the Israeli Chief Rabbinate in its 23rd conference in Kfar Etzion.

 

"Bnei Akiva views the Chief Rabbinate as an important aspect in the spiritual makeup of the State and nation," said the statement.

 

"The conference calls on the body which elects the chief rabbis to choose deserving candidates who view the State of Israel the beginning of our salvation." 

 

In the conference, held every four years, representatives from different youth chapters across Israel met in various committees to discuss issues relevant to present discourse, and decide the future direction of the movement.

 

Another decision made by the national-religious youth group was to bestow an honorary membership on Jonathan Pollard and increase activities to raise awareness and bring about his release.

 

The young representatives also congratulated the 33rd government, and especially the Habayit Hayehudi party.

 

"The conference congratulates the unity in the Zionist-religious camp and sends its blessings to the new Israeli government," they said.

 

Giving keys to youth

The movement's general secretary, Danny Hirschberg, explained the purpose of the conference. "Once every four years we 'pull over' and give the keys to the youth and ask them to show us – the movement's leaders – where to go.

 

"The conference is the high point in the life of the movement, which aligns itself to the challenges and aims of the coming years," he said.

 

Social matters were also discussed, and the conference called on government to act with "sensitivity and determination" toward a universal draft and equal share of the social burden.

 

Nevertheless, these actions should be made with "national responsibility to the world of the torah, while giving different sectors in society to live life as they choose and through keeping proper balance between contributing to society and the right to enjoy its resources," stressed the young representatives.

 

The conference also reiterated its call on the national-religious education institutions to open their doors to all applicants, religious and secular alike.

 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent a letter to the participants: "I know of and cherish your social and national activities through the years. Many former members of your movement assumed senior roles in the economy and the state.

 

"I support you and am convinced you'll follow the illustrious tradition of your movement in building the state and society."

 

Netanyahu ended his letter with the Bnei Akiva motto: "Hashem be with you."

 

Education Minister Shay Piron, who participated in the conference, called on the youth group members to lead the social revolution. "There's a positive trend in the country toward social justice and Bnei Akiva must lead the way," he said.

 

"Bnei Akiva isn't just a 'movement of the people:' it has the responsibility and the commitment to lead a change in Israeli society."

 

 

  • Receive Ynetnews updates directly to your desktop

 

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 03.31.13, 08:16
 new comment
Warning:
This will delete your current comment