We Are Not Parasites
Shoshana Chen writes an opinion piece defending the Haredi public against the label "parasites." She weaves personal stories about her family during the Holocaust and a visit to the Lakewood Yeshiva, calling for recognition of the contribution of Torah scholars to the state while criticizing politicians who incite against the Haredi community.
Shoshana Chen writes a personal opinion piece defending the Haredi public against the label "parasites" thrown around in political and social circles in Israel. She opens with an emotional description of her grandchildren studying Torah, comparing it to memories of her brother who perished in Treblinka at age 12, and of her father who prayed in labor camps from a siddur he carried on his body. Chen argues that while her family clung to the Land of Israel since leaving the Holocaust, others leave the country for political reasons and are considered contributors. She recounts a visit by the Twill family to the Lakewood Yeshiva, and a meeting with a secular store clerk who asked her husband to continue studying Torah. Chen calls for internalizing that everyone contributes in their own way, and warns against politicians who incite against the Haredi public. The article ends with a call for unity and an emphasis that the Torah will prevail.