Deri's war - and the question that made him explode
The article describes the struggle of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri against the state-religious education (MAMACH), which he perceives as a threat to Haredi autonomy. Deri attacked Hasidic groups that transferred their schools to MAMACH, claiming it is an attempt to close Haredi educational networks. The article presents the tension between the veteran Haredi leadership and internal streams demanding education and integration, and the role of the judicial system in shaping the struggle.
The article, written by Eli Hirschman in N12 magazine, focuses on the struggle of Shas chairman Aryeh Deri against the state-religious education (MAMACH). Deri exploded in an interview with the Haredi radio station "Kol Barama" when asked about his opinion on the matter, and attacked Hasidic groups that transferred their schools to MAMACH. According to him, this is an attempt to close the Haredi educational networks and dictate a different education for children. The article presents MAMACH as a symbol of the quiet change taking place within Haredi society from below. Only about 7% of Haredi students study in it, but it provokes a sharp reaction from the establishment. The main reason for the transition is budgets and resources, but also the desire of Haredi parents for high-level studies in English, mathematics, and other subjects while maintaining a Haredi lifestyle. The article describes the broader struggle between the veteran Haredi leadership, which enjoys political and governmental backing, and weakened but still active professional bureaucracy and judicial system seeking to impose supervision on Haredi education. It notes that nearly a third of first-grade students in Jewish education are Haredi, and that Haredi society is growing rapidly. The article also discusses the struggle over IDF enlistment, and the coalition agreements with Netanyahu that included generous budgets for private education and full autonomy, some of which were stalled in the judicial system. In conclusion, the article argues that the big change may come from small decisions by Haredi families, not just from politicians and judges.