Thousands of Chareidim who won “Dira BeHanacha” housing lotteries breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday after Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara backed down from her position ahead of a High Court hearing and ordered a “new interpretation” of her draconian decision to deny rights to subsidized housing to bnei yeshivos designated as “draft dodgers.”
The decision determines that the rights of those who have already won apartments or hold eligibility to participate in a lottery will not be retroactively revoked.
Justice Mintz sharply criticized the Attorney General’s handling of the case, writing in his decision: “The respondents’ procedural conduct is improper. Not only toward the petitioners, but also toward the Court, and regrettably, while ‘taking the law into their own hands.’ The response shall be submitted today.”
Baharav-Miara’s decision was made ahead of a High Court hearing on petitions filed by the Emes L’Yaakov B’Yisrael organization against the decision to deny eligible Chareidim the right to win a discounted apartment.
(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
One Response
The idea that Torah study makes one a “draft dodger” misunderstands the foundation of Jewish national life. Our survival has always depended on both the study of Torah and the defense of our land. These are not opposing forces. They are two sides of the same sacred covenant. To deny housing based on this false division only harms the very fabric of our people. The court’s criticism of the Attorney General’s conduct shows a proper concern for justice.