A New Jewish Story
Shai Piron, president of the Panim movement, argues that the war has led to a deep identity upheaval in Israel and that many seek to deepen their belonging in their own way. He calls on the next government to offer a new framework for relations between Judaism and the state, while recognizing Israel's uniqueness. Piron describes mass prayers on Yom Kippur as a symbol of tolerance and mutual respect, and criticizes political leaders for evading an identity decision.
Shai Piron, president of the Panim movement and former Minister of Education, publishes an opinion piece on ynet calling on the next government to offer a new framework for relations between Judaism and the state. Piron describes his experience at mass Yom Kippur prayers, which he presents as a symbol of tolerance and mutual respect, in contrast to the traumatic atmosphere of Yom Kippur 2023. He criticizes political leaders for evading an identity decision and for leaving religion and state issues in the hands of Haredi and religious parties or extremists on both sides. Piron presents a conceptual and constitutional framework called "Unique State" developed with Rabbi Shaul Farber and the Itim organization, covering nine topics: Shabbat, conversion, betrothal and marriage, kashrut, the structure of the religious establishment, and burial. He argues that the war has led to a deep identity upheaval and that many Israelis desire a non-sectarian and shared Judaism.