A political firestorm erupted Sunday after senior chareidi leaders visited imprisoned yeshiva bochurim at Prison 10, drawing sharp criticism from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Smotrich accused chareidi lawmakers of displaying “detachment and insensitivity” at a time when Israel is mourning fallen soldiers and comforting bereaved families, while focusing their attention on the issue of yeshiva bochurim detained over military service matters.

The criticism came after Shas chairman Aryeh Deri paid a special visit Sunday morning to imprisoned yeshiva bochurim at Prison 10, expressing support and encouragement. During the visit, Deri said Bnei Torah should not be treated as criminals and pledged that Shas would work to advance a Basic Law: Limud Hatorah, which would formally define the status of Torah learning in the State of Israel.

Accompanied by MK Michael Malchieli and Shas CEO MK Chaim Biton, Deri met with detainees, heard about their prison conditions, and promised to work toward improving their situation. He also distributed copies of “Emunah U’Bitachon” and conveyed the full support of the Shas movement.

United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzchok Goldknopf also visited Prison 10 and met with the detainees. He said the imprisonment of yeshiva bochurim because they are engaged in Torah study is a reality that cannot be accepted and called for a change in policy.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)