Over 50 MKs signed a proposal by MK Yitzhak Cohen (Shas) that
would ensure the hot-lunch program would apply at chareidi
talmudei Torah as well.
The law is needed to rectify a High Court ruling led by High
Court Deputy President Mishael Cheshin, who determined that
children in chareidi institutions are not eligible for the
hot-lunch program.
MK Rabbi Moshe Gafni lodged a stiff attack against the
government for backing the policy of making children in
chareidi educational institutions ineligible for the hot-
lunch program. He said the Prime Minister reacted to the
situation by saying, "Because these children study at
talmudei Torah they won't get food? Maybe we should
slap them, too?"
Speaking for the government, in defense of the High Court
decision, Minister Meir Shetreet claimed the ruling was based
on a law legislated by the Knesset.
Rabbi Gafni said chareidi MKs tried to delay the legislation
of the law to eliminate the discrimination it contains. He
said the drafting of the legislation was successfully changed
to read that the hot-lunch program should be instituted in
any place where the extended school day program has been
adopted. That was supposed to include chareidi
institutions.
Rabbi Gafni said the Education Ministry's decision not to
provide hot meals for children in the chareidi education
system is clearly illegal, mentioning the Prime Minister's
remark made behind closed doors. He asked Shetreet whether
the Education Ministry would alter its decision in light of
Sharon's stance or whether he says one thing behind closed
doors but acts differently in public.
He also made note of the coalition agreement between the
Likud and UTJ, which prohibits discriminating against
children in the chareidi school system. Does the Likud intend
to adhere "to the coalition agreement and rectify the
decision?" he demanded. "Don't come to me later with claims
that I violate agreements. You are violating
[agreements]."
Later, during a discussion on raising the price of bread,
Rabbi Gafni said he would recommend that Degel HaTorah
support the no-confidence motion on this issue, which failed
last week. He said it would be unconscionable for chareidi
children to be denied eligibility for the hot-lunch program
and at the same time have to pay more for the bread they
buy.
