New Controversy In Israel Over Government Subsidies For Religious Students

The New York Times reported yesterday on the growing debate within Israel over government subsidies for thousands of strictly Orthodox (haredi) students who study full time at religious seminaries.  Rabbi Chaim Amsellem, a member of the Knesset from the religious Shas Party, created a furor last month when urged that full-time state-financed religious study should be reserved for students who are particularly well qualified scholars and likely to become rabbis or religious court judges. He says the others should join the work force. In reaction his own party expelled him and attacks in a Shas newspaper describing him as "Amalek" led to his being assigned a bodyguard. A number of efforts are underway to bring haredim into the workforce. 56% of haredim currently live below the poverty line.