Mafdal party logo

The National Religious Party (Hebrew: Mafdal, מפד"ל) is an Israeli political party representing the religious Zionist movement. Mafdal is an acronym for Miflaga Datit Le'umit. Mafdal are currently using the banner 'Haichud Haleumi' for the upcoming election. מפלגה דתית לאומית. Image File history File links Mafdal party logo File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Mafdal party logo File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Hebrew (עִבְרִית or עברית, ‘Ivrit) is a Semitic language of the Afro-Asiatic language family spoken by more than seven million people in Israel and Jewish communities around the world. ... A political party is an organization that seeks to attain political power within a government, usually by participating in electoral campaigns. ... Poster promoting a film about Jewish settlement in Palestine, 1930s: Toward a New Life (in Romanian),The Promised Land (in Hungarian), the small caption (bottom) reads First Palestinian film with sound Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Zionism Zionism is a political movement that supports a homeland for... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Backronym and Apronym (Discuss) Acronyms and initialisms are abbreviations, such as NATO, laser, and ABC, written as the initial letter or letters of words, and pronounced on the basis of this abbreviated written form. ...

Mafdal 2006 election logo

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This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Israel Image File history File links Mafdal2006. ... Image File history File links Mafdal2006. ... Image File history File links Coat_of_arms_of_Israel. ... of ...

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Religious Zionism: Background

The Religious Zionist Movement (RZM) is an Orthodox faction within the Zionist movement which combines a belief in the importance of establishing a Jewish state in the land of Israel following a religious way of life, in contrast to secular Zionism and the anti-Zionist Orthodox movements. The spiritual and ideological founder of the RZM was Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, who urged young religious Jews to settle in Israel and called upon the secular Labour Zionists to pay more attention to Judaism. Rabbi Kook saw Zionism as a part of a divine scheme which would result in a resettling of the Jewish people in its homeland, Israel, and, ultimately, the coming of the Messiah. Kippot Sruggot: Modern Orthodox Jewish students carry the flag of Israel at a public parade in Manhattan, NY, USA The Religious Zionist Movement, or Religious Zionism, also called Mizrachi, is an ideology combining Zionism and Judaism, which offers Zionism based on the principles of Jewish religion and heritage. ... Orthodox Judaism is the stream of Judaism which adheres to a relatively strict interpretation and application of the laws and ethics first canonized in the Talmud (The Oral Law) and later codified in the Shulkhan Arukh (Code of Jewish Law). It is governed by these works and the Rabbinical commentary... This article describes some ethnic, historic, and cultural aspects of the Jewish identity; for a consideration of the Jewish religion, refer to the article Judaism. ... Satellite image of the Land of Israel in January 2003, including portions of the State of Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon. ... Anti-Zionism is a term used to describe several different political and religious points of view. ... Rabbi (Classical Hebrew רִבִּי ribbī;; modern Ashkenazi and Israeli רַבִּי rabbī) in Judaism, means teacher, or more literally great one. The word Rabbi is derived from the Hebrew root-word RaV, which in biblical Hebrew means great or distinguished, (in knowledge). In the ancient Judean schools (and among Sefaradim today) the sages... Abraham Isaac Kook (1864 - 1935) was the first Ashkenazi chief rabbi of the British Mandate of Palestine, the founder of the (now) Religious Zionist Yeshiva Merkaz Harav, and a renowned Torah scholar. ... STOP THE WAR NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HIJOS DE PUTAAAAAAA ISRAEL=TERRORISTAS. WHAT IS THE WORLD AND THE AMERICANS DOING NOW? SEND THEM BACK TO AUSWITS ... Labor Zionism (or Labour Zionism) is the traditional left-wing of the Zionist ideology. ... Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. ... In Judaism, the Messiah (מָשִׁיחַ Standard Hebrew , Tiberian Hebrew , Aramaic ) initially meant any person who was anointed by a prophet of God. ...

History

The Mafdal was created after Ha-Poel Ha-Mizrachi ("The Workers of the East") and Ha-Mizrachi ("The East") merged in 1956. The founders of the Mafdal were Yosef Burg and Haim Moshe Shapira, who focused its activity mainly on the status of Judaism within the framework of Israeli society. Throughout the Mafdal's existence it has attempted to preserve the relevance of Judaism on issues such as Israeli personal status laws, education, culture, and municipal issues such as prohibitions on the selling of non-Kosher food (in prescribed areas, and occasionally throughout a given municipality), prohibiting transportation and public activities on the Shabbat. The Mizrachi (acronym for Merkaz Ruchani or religious centre) is the name of the religious Zionist organization founded in 1902 in Vilna at a world conference of religious Zionists called by Rabbi Yitzchak Yaacov Reines. ... 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Yosef Salomon Burg (January 31, 1909 - October 15, 1999) was an Israeli politician and Rabbi. ... The circled U indicates that this can of tuna is certified kosher by the Union of Orthodox Congregations. ... Shabbat (שבת shabbāt, rest Hebrew, or Shabbos in Ashkenazic pronunciation), is the weekly day of rest in Judaism. ...

The Mafdal has operated a trade union (Hapoel Ha-Mizrahi), a newspaper (Ha-Tzofe) and a youth-movement (Bnei Akiva). The newspaper and the youth movement still exist today, in sharp contrast to other party newspapers such as Davar or Al Ha-Mishmar that lost their respective parties' backings and eventually shut down. The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view. ... Bnei Akivas emblem (semel) Bnei Akiva is the worlds largest youth movement of Religious Zionism and the largest Jewish youth movement in parts of the world, such as Israel and England. ... Davar (Hebrew: דבר, meaning thing or word) was a Hebrew language daily newspaper published in Israel from 1925 until 1994. ... Al Ha-Mishmar (Hebrew: On Guard) was a left-wing daily newspaper of Hashomer Hatzair and the Mapam party in Israel. ...

Around 1969, a new generation arose in the Mafdal, led by Zevulun Hammer and Yeuda Ben-Meir, called "the youth" (הצעירים) demanding that the party pay more attention to socio-economic issues in addition to its concerns about Judaism and the modern state. They led the Mafdal into the right-wing of Israeli politics. Perhaps ironically, Yosef Burg outlived Zevulun Hammer, who died in 1997. 1969 (MCMLXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1969 calendar). ... 1997 (MCMXCVII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The Mafdal participated in all the governments of Israel until 1992. During this period it was a centrist party, interested mainly in religious matters and impervious to the left-right divisions of the Israeli public. The longtime cooperation between the Israeli Labour Party and the Mafdal is sometimes referred to as the historic league (הברית ההיסטורית). 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday. ... Labour or Labor, (Hebrew: העבודה, ha-`Avōdāh) is a political party in Israel. ...

The seeds of change were sown in 1967, when Israel's victory in the Six-Day War spawned messianic trends among religious Israeli Jews that resulted in moving many within the Mafdal to the political right, finally forcing the corresponding political parties to follow suit. Today the Mafdal is a strictly right-wing party. 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar (the link is to a full 1967 calendar). ... Combatants Israel Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq Commanders Yitzhak Rabin, Moshe Dayan, Uzi Narkiss, Israel Tal, Ariel Sharon Abdel Hakim Amer, Abdul Munim Riad, Zaid ibn Shaker, Hafez al-Assad Strength 50,000 troops (264,000 including mobilized reservists); 197 combat aircraft Egypt 150,000 troops; Syria 75,000; Jordan 55... In Judaism and Jewish eschatology, the Messiah (Hebrew: משיח; Mashiah, Mashiach, or Moshiach, anointed [one]) has traditionally referred to a future Jewish king from the Davidic line who will be anointed (the meaning of the Hebrew word משיח) with holy anointing oil and inducted to rule the Jewish people during the Messianic... In politics, right-wing, the political right, or simply the right, are terms which refer, with no particular precision, to the segment of the political spectrum in opposition to left-wing politics. ...

From its inception the Mafdal maintained an almost constant number of 12 members of the Israeli Knesset. In 1981 it shrank to 6 members. The reasons are diverse: An overall reduction in its natural voting population; the political moderation of many Orthodox Jews; its turn towards the right-wing; the growing importance of the right-left schism in Israeli politics; and the rise of Orthodox Sephardic parties such as Tami and later Shas. The modern Knesset building, Israels parliament, in Jerusalem Though similar-sounding, Beit Knesset (בית כנסת) literally means House of Assembly, and refers to a synagogue. ... 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... In the strictest sense, a Sephardi (ספרדי, Standard Hebrew Səfardi, Tiberian Hebrew Səp̄ardî; plural Sephardim: ספרדים, Standard Hebrew Səfardim, Tiberian Hebrew Səp̄ardîm) is a Jew original to the... Shas logo Shas (Hebrew: שס) is an Israeli political party representing mostly Haredi Sephardi Jews. ...

The Ideology of the Mafdal

Main principles

Mafdal is a Zionist party and states that Israel is a "Jewish democratic state". Mafdal's main goal is to contribute as much as it can to the state of Israel and influence its character to be more Jewish, as well as fighting for the protection of Israel and maintaining Israel's security. Poster promoting a film about Jewish settlement in Palestine, 1930s: Toward a New Life (in Romanian),The Promised Land (in Hungarian), the small caption (bottom) reads First Palestinian film with sound Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Zionism Zionism is a political movement that supports a homeland for...

The core belief "the Land of Israel for the People of Israel according to the Torah of Israel" commits the N.R.P. to doing everything possible to further the security and integrity of the Land of Israel. The N.R.P. aspires to influence policy from within the government, and thus continue to safeguard Eretz Israel.

Unlike the Haredi parties (Shas and United Torah Judaism) the Mafdal does not promote the notion of Medinat Halacha, a theocracy run according to Jewish law. Mafdal wants to retain Israel's democratic character while improving the Israeli people. It aspires to encourage Jews to become better by acting as role-models and teaching other Israelis Judaism by example. Mafdal wants the Haredi Jews to complete three years of mandatory military service. Haredi or Charedi Judaism, often referred to as Ultra-Orthodox Judaism, is the most theologically conservative form of Orthodox Judaism. ... Shas logo Shas (Hebrew: שס) is an Israeli political party representing mostly Haredi Sephardi Jews. ... United Torah Judaism (In Hebrew: יהדות התורה which translates as Judaism [of the] Torah) (UTJ) is a small Haredi political party in the Israeli Knesset. ... Halakha (Hebrew: הלכה; also transliterated as Halakhah, Halacha, Halakhot and Halachah) is the collective corpus of Jewish religious law, including biblical law (the 613 mitzvot) and later talmudic and rabbinic law as well as customs and traditions. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Halakha (Hebrew: הלכה; also transliterated as Halakhah, Halacha, Halakhot and Halachah) is the collective corpus of Jewish religious law, including biblical law (the 613 mitzvot) and later talmudic and rabbinic law as well as customs and traditions. ... Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. ...

Mafdal emphasises national unity and vows to work as a bridge between the different parts of Israeli society.

Religious and secular, Sephardim and Askenazim, right and left, old-timers and new immigrants – we are all one people. The N.R.P. works toward national unity, absorption of immigration, and bringing people together from all sectors of the population. Without hatred and without coercion. Gently, pleasantly, and with a smile.

They call this principle Ahavat Israel אהבת ישראל ("Love of Israel").

Mafdal is the patron of most of the national religious schools (חינוך ממלכתי-דתי), which teach both Judaism and general mandatory educational subjects such as mathematics, English, literature, physics, biology etc. It sponsors some pre-military schools that provide higher education to future IDF officers and commanders. Besides funding and patronising national religious schools, it also supports Yeshiva schools and Beit Midrash schools, places dedicated solely to Torah study. They also run Yeshivot Hesder, where religious soldiers combine combat military service with learning Torah. Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. ... For other meanings of mathematics or math, see mathematics (disambiguation). ... The first few hydrogen atom electron orbitals shown as cross-sections with color-coded probability density. ... Biology (from Greek βίος λόγος, see below) is the branch of science dealing with the study of life. ... The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) (Hebrew: צבא ×”×”×’× ×” לישראל , [Army] Force for the Defense of Israel), often abbreviated with the Hebrew acronym צהל Tsahal, alternative English spelling Tzahal, is the name of Israels armed forces, comprising the Israeli Army, the Israeli Air Force and the Israeli Navy. ... Yeshiva or yeshivah (Hebrew: ישיבה pl. ... Beth midrash (or Beit Midrash or Bais Medrash or Bais Medrish) (plural battei midrash) literally means a House of Interpretation or Lecturing or Learning in Hebrew. ... Torah study is the study by Jews of the Torah, Tanakh, Talmud, responsa, rabbinic literature and similar works, all of which are Judaisms religious texts, for the purpose of the mitzvah (commandment) of Torah study itself, meaning study for religious (as opposed to academic) purposes. ...

The N.R.P. actively promotes Torah in Israel and strengthens national religious institutions: Zionist rabbinical training institutes, Zionist Kollels, Yeshivot gevohot, Hesder Yeshivot, Yeshiva high schools, and more. The N.R.P. encourages Zionist rabbis to take on active roles as teachers in Yeshivot, and as spiritual leaders in cities and in neighborhoods.

Mafdal believes that the land of Israel is holy and belongs to the Jews on the basis of God's promise to Abraham and later to Isaac and Jacob. They believe it is God's will to settle all the land of Israel and nurture it. This principle has great impact on Mafdal policy toward the West Bank and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Tomb of Abraham Abraham (between 2000 BC/BCE and 1500 BC/BCE) (Hebrew: אברהם, Standard Avraham Ashkenazi Avrohom or Avruhom Tiberian  ; Arabic: ابراهيم,  ; Geez: አብርሃም,  ; Father/Leader of many) is regarded as the founding patriarch of the Israelites whom God chose to bless and be a blessing to all the families of... It has been suggested that Ishaq be merged into this article or section. ... It has been suggested that Yaqub be merged into this article or section. ... Satellite image of the Land of Israel in January 2003, including portions of the State of Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon. ... Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip are at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. ...

Source: http://web.archive.org/web/20050307154426/http://www.mafdal.org.il/?sid=27

Religion and state

Mafdal's policy opposes the separation of religion and state and believes that Israel should retain its special Jewish character and enhance its commitment to Judaism. Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. ...

Mafdal argues that affairs of personal status (such as marriage, divorces and burial) should be kept under the authority of Israel's rabbis (or other religious clerics for non-Jews). Judaism considers marriage to be the ideal state of existence; a man without a wife, or a woman without a husband, are considered incomplete. ... For the religious process, see Get (divorce document) A get or gett (גט) is the Jewish form of divorce which, when one is available in the state of residence, is supervised by a Beth Din (בית דין), a rabbinical court. ... // May you be comforted with all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem Death and dying Everything that Jews do regarding death is for one of two reasons: respect for the dead (kavod ha-met) or to console those left behind (nihum avelim). ...

Mafdal claims that the Jewish state must show respect for the Jewish religion by observing the Sabbath and serving Kosher food in its institutions and organizations (as it applies to the IDF, public transportation, the Israeli police and governmental companies.) Shabbat (שבת shabbāt, rest Hebrew, or Shabbos in Ashkenazic pronunciation), is the weekly day of rest in Judaism. ... The circled U indicates that this can of tuna is certified kosher by the Union of Orthodox Congregations. ... The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) (Hebrew: צבא ההגנה לישראל , [Army] Force for the Defense of Israel), often abbreviated with the Hebrew acronym צהל Tsahal, alternative English spelling Tzahal, is the name of Israels armed forces, comprising the Israeli Army, the Israeli Air Force and the Israeli Navy. ... Israeli Police logo The Israeli police (משטרת ישראל) is a civilian force in the State of Israel. ...

Mafdal, along with the other Orthodox political parties in Israel would like to see reforms to Israeli law so that converts to Judaism who wish to immigrate to Israel under the Law of Return can only be accepted if their conversions were conducted according to strict Orthodox standards. This is a controversial position as some secular parties claim that it would undermine Israel's connections with worldwide, and especially American Jews. See Who is a Jew? as it applies to Israel. Ger tzedek (Hebrew: righteous proselyte or proselyte [of] righteousness) or Ger (stranger or proselyte) is a gentile (i. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Who is a Jew? (Hebrew: ) is a religious, social and political debate on the exact definition of which persons can be considered Jewish. ...

Regarding conversions to Judaism performed within Israel, Mafdal has found itself on the same side of the debate as the secular parties, and opposed to the views of the Haredi parties and particularly Shas. Mafdal advocates that the Israeli Chief Rabbinate must act to ease the procedures for non-Jews who want to convert, following the Neeman Committee (ועדת נאמן) recommendations. It also calls for the restoration of the nationality (לאום "Leom") clause on the Israeli identification card. Both issues are connected to recent public debates about Russian immigrants who are suspected of not being Jews according to Jewish law. Shas logo Shas (Hebrew: שס) is an Israeli political party representing mostly Haredi Sephardi Jews. ... // Chief rabbi is a title given in several countries to the recognised religious leader of that countrys Jewish community. ... In Israel, the Neeman Committee was established to solve disputes concerning the process of conversion to Judaism within the borders of Israel, which by the Law of Return also grants automatic citizenship and accompanying rights. ... Halakha (Hebrew: הלכה; also transliterated as Halakhah, Halacha, Halakhot and Halachah) is the collective corpus of Jewish religious law, including biblical law (the 613 mitzvot) and later talmudic and rabbinic law as well as customs and traditions. ...

The issue of conscripting Yeshiva students is a particularly sensitive issue in Mafdal's rhetoric. Historically Mafdal initiated the regulations allowing Yeshiva students to avoid military service and supported that position over a long time. This came into conflict with the Mafdal's ideology and its supporters as the party moved to the right, and as the number of such students rose sharply leading to allegations that many were not really students. Today Mafdal explicitly states that participation in the Israeli army is a Mitzvah and a moral obligation (יא), and stresses that its "finest youth... serve in the elite commando and combat units in the IDF" [1]. However, it does not reject any of the current arrangements, nor does it suggest limiting the number of non-serving students in any way. Yeshiva or yeshivah (Hebrew: ישיבה pl. ... Mitzvah (Hebrew: מצווה, commandment; plural, mitzvot; from צוה, tzavah, command) is a word used in Judaism to refer to (a) the commandments, of which there are 613, given in the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) or (b) any Jewish law at all. ...

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the settlements

Mafdal's views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be summarized as: Israel, the West Bank and Gaza Strip are at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. ...

• There will only be one state between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea – the State of Israel. No independent national Arab entity (such as a putative Palestinian state) will exist within these borders
• No part of Israel will be given over to a foreign government or authority.

However, Mafdal does agree to giving the Palestinian Arabs self-governing autonomy, subject to Israel's authority only in matters of security and foreign affairs (such as in borders and diplomacy), without the dismantling of the Jewish settlements. This article is about the Jordan River and its valley in western Asia. ... Satellite image The Mediterranean Sea is a part of the Atlantic Ocean almost completely enclosed by land, on the north by Europe, on the south by Africa, and on the east by Asia. ...

Mafdal reacted to the Second Intifada by demanding a harsh military response by Israel to "root out the terror infrastructure". It also called for disbanding the Palestinian Authority and the deportation of the PLO back to Tunisia. Mafdal believes that Israel can stop Palestinian violence through the use of military force. The wreckage of a commuter bus in West Jerusalem after a suicide bombing on Tuesday, 18 June 2002. ... The West Bank The Palestinian National Authority (PNA or PA) is a semi-autonomous state institution nominally governing the bulk of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip (which it calls the Palestinian Territories). It was established as a part of Oslo accords between the PLO and Israel. ... The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) (Arabic Munazzamat al-Tahrir Filastiniyyah منظمة تحرير فلسطينية ) is a political and paramilitary organization of Palestinian Arabs dedicated to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state to consist of the...

Mafdal uses mostly religious discourse to justify these positions. They stress that Judea and Samaria were parts of the ancient kingdom of Israel and kingdom of Judah and hence rightfully belong to modern Israel. Furthermore, Mafdal views the Jewish settlements as an upholding of the mitzvah of settling the land of Israel. Many of its supporters and parliament members are settlers. Discourse is a term used in semantics as in discourse analysis, but it also refers to a social conception of discourse, often linked with the work of French philosopher Michel Foucault (1926-1984) and Jürgen Habermas The Theory of Communicative Action (1985). ... Judea or Judaea (יהודה Praise, Standard Hebrew , Tiberian Hebrew ) (Greek: Ιουδαία) is a term used for the mountainous southern part of the historic Land of Israel (Hebrew: ארץ ישראל Eretz Yisrael), an area now divided between Israel and the West Bank, and, in a few geographical definitions of Judea, Jordan. ... It has been suggested that Sebastia, Middle East be merged into this article or section. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Kingdom of Judah (Hebrew מַלְכוּת יְהוּדָה, Standard Hebrew Malḫut Yəhuda, Tiberian Hebrew Malḵûṯ Yəhûḏāh) in the times of the Hebrew Bible, was the nation formed from the territories of the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin after the Kingdom of Israel was divided, and was named after Judah... Mitzvah (Hebrew: מצווה, commandment; plural, mitzvot; from צוה, tzavah, command) is a word used in Judaism to refer to (a) the commandments, of which there are 613, given in the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) or (b) any Jewish law at all. ...

Social issues and welfare

Mafdal does not adhere to an economic ideology (such as Marxism or Capitalism). However, Mafdal believes that Israeli society and the state of Israel should support the poor and the needy, derived from the 613 mitzvot of the Torah. Mafdal's most notable figure in this respect in Zevulun Orlev, (who served as Minister of Labor and Social Welfare). However, this issue is not high on Mafdal's agenda or rhetoric. Marxism refers to the philosophy and social theory based on Karl Marxs work on one hand, and to the political practice based on Marxist theory on the other hand (namely, parts of the First International during Marxs time, communist parties and later states). ... For other uses, see Capitalism (disambiguation). ... Tzedakah (Hebrew: צדקה) in Judaism, is the Hebrew term most commonly translated as charity, though it is based on a root meaning justice (צדק). According to Maimonides, there are eight levels of tzedakah in Jewish tradition, ranging from publicly giving funds, so that the donor and recipient both know who each other... Main article: Mitzvah 613 mitzvot (or 613 Commandments. ... Torah () is a Hebrew word meaning teaching, instruction, or law. It is the central and most important document of Judaism revered by Jews through the ages. ... Zevulun Orlev זבולון אורלב is an Israeli politician. ...

Members and supporters

Knesset members

Mafdal had six seats in the 16th Knesset (elected 2003). The modern Knesset building, Israels parliament, in Jerusalem Though similar-sounding, Beit Knesset (בית כנסת) literally means House of Assembly, and refers to a synagogue. ...

The members:

1. Effi Eitam (Ephraim Fein) - was the head of Mafdal, former general in the IDF. Eitam earned a medal of honor (עיטור המופת) in the Yom Kippur War. He holds an M.A. in political science and international relations.
2. Zevulun Orlev - A teacher, won the award of the Best legislator of the 15th Knesset. Orlev earned a medal of honor in the Yom Kippur War.
3. Shaul Yahalom - the head of Mafdal Knesset faction. One of Mafdal's most experienced Knesset members.
4. Itzhak Levi - a rabbi and a teacher. Senior Knesset member.
5. Gila Finkelstein - was a principal of the religious high school Zeitlin (צייטלין) in Tel Aviv.
6. Nisan Slomianski - a physicist and qualified for the rabbinate.

Ephraim (Efi, Effie) Eitam (Fein) אפי איתם is an Israeli religious Zionist politician. ... The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) (Hebrew: צבא ×”×”×’× ×” לישראל , [Army] Force for the Defense of Israel), often abbreviated with the Hebrew acronym צהל Tsahal, alternative English spelling Tzahal, is the name of Israels armed forces, comprising the Israeli Army, the Israeli Air Force and the Israeli Navy. ... Combatants Israel Egypt Syria Jordan Iraq Commanders Moshe Dayan David Elazar Ariel Sharon Shmuel Gonen Benjamin Peled Saad El Shazly Ahmad Ismail Ali Hosni Mubarak Mohammed Aly Fahmy Anwar Sadat Abdel Ghani el-Gammasy Abdul Munim Wassel Abd-Al-Minaam Khaleel Abu Zikry Mustafa Tlass[2], [3] Strength 415,000... A masters degree is an academic degree usually awarded for completion of a postgraduate (or graduate) course of one to three years in duration. ... Zevulun Orlev זבולון אורלב is an Israeli politician. ... A teachers room in a Japanese middle school, 2005. ... The modern Knesset building, Israels parliament, in Jerusalem Though similar-sounding, Beit Knesset (בית כנסת) literally means House of Assembly, and refers to a synagogue. ... Combatants Israel Egypt Syria Jordan Iraq Commanders Moshe Dayan David Elazar Ariel Sharon Shmuel Gonen Benjamin Peled Saad El Shazly Ahmad Ismail Ali Hosni Mubarak Mohammed Aly Fahmy Anwar Sadat Abdel Ghani el-Gammasy Abdul Munim Wassel Abd-Al-Minaam Khaleel Abu Zikry Mustafa Tlass[2], [3] Strength 415,000... Shaul Yahalom (born 1947 in Tel Aviv) is an Israeli politican and the head of the National Religious Party (Mafdal) fraction in the Knesset. ... Rabbi (Classical Hebrew רִבִּי ribbÄ«;; modern Ashkenazi and Israeli רַבִּי rabbÄ«) in Judaism, means teacher, or more literally great one. The word Rabbi is derived from the Hebrew root-word RaV, which in biblical Hebrew means great or distinguished, (in knowledge). In the ancient Judean schools (and among Sefaradim today) the sages... Tel-Aviv was founded on empty dunes north of the existing city of Jaffa. ... Physicists working in a government lab A physicist is a scientist who studies or practices physics. ...

Supporters

Mafdal supporters are comprised mainly of religious Zionists, who are Orthodox Jews, in some ways Modern Orthodox. As soldiers they are highly-motivated and disciplined and have an excellent reputation of contributing to the Israeli state and society. The Religious Zionist Movement, or Religious Zionism is an ideology combining Zionism and Judaism, which offers Zionism based on the principles of Jewish religion and heritage. ... Orthodox Judaism is the stream of Judaism which adheres to a relatively strict interpretation and application of the laws and ethics first canonized in the Talmud (The Oral Law) and later codified in the Shulkhan Arukh (Code of Jewish Law). It is governed by these works and the Rabbinical commentary... Modern Orthodox Judaism (or Modern Orthodox, also known as Modern Orthodoxy and sometimes abbreviated as MO) is a movement within Orthodox Judaism that attempts to synthesize traditional observance and values with the secular modern world. ...

Wherever you look, you see them. Members of the national religious community, with the knitted kippot on their heads. In academia, in economic life, in the educational system, in hi-tech, medicine, the courts, the I.D.F., even in the media. Each one of them doing their bit of "kiddush Hashem" (sanctifying God) in daily endeavors.

Male religious Zionists can be recognized by their colorful hand-knitted kippah (כיפה) (yarmulka) ("skull-cap"), hence their nickname: הכיפות הסרוגות (Ha-Kippot Ha-Srugot, lit. "The Knitted Yarmulkas"). A kippah (Hebrew: , also kipah, kipa, kippa, plural kippot; Yiddish: , yarmlke, yarmulke, yarmulka, yarmelke, less commonly called kapel) is a thin, usually slightly-rounded cloth skullcap worn by observant Jews (usually men, but not always; see below). ... At the bottom of the hands, the two letters on each hand combine to form יהוה (YHVH), the name of God. ... A kippah (Hebrew: , also kipah, kipa, kippa, plural kippot; Yiddish: , yarmlke, yarmulke, yarmulka, yarmelke, less commonly called kapel) is a thin, usually slightly-rounded cloth skullcap worn by observant Jews (usually men, but not always; see below). ...

Criticism

Some critics of the Mafdal say that it is too focused on the Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and that they neglect other issues such as education, social responsibility and Ahavat Israel ("Love of Israel" i.e. of other Jews). It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Israeli settlement. ...

Left-wing critics insist that Mafdal's stubbornness about keeping the settlements is an "obstacle to peace" while right-wing critics say Mafdal does not pressure the Israeli government enough to use more military force against Palestinian terrorism. The term Palestinian terrorism is commonly used to describe acts of political violence committed by Palestinian individuals or groups against Israelis, Jews, and nationals of other countries. ...

Criticism from religious parties such as Shas and Agudat Israel scorn Mafdal for having been in the governing coalition with an ultra-secular party like Shinui (which is often described as "anti-religious") and for not doing enough to keep the Jewish character of Israel. For example, that Mafdal displayed little, if any, resistance or dismay, against former Internal Minister Avraham Poraz's decision not to enforce the prohibition of selling bread during Passover (when eating bread is a prohibition of Chametz according to Orthodox Judaism). Shas logo Shas (Hebrew: שס) is an Israeli political party representing mostly Haredi Sephardi Jews. ... Categories: Organization stubs | Israel-related stubs | Israeli political parties | Orthodox Judaism ... Shinui (שינוי) (original full name: Tenua le-Shinui ve Yozma and then to Shinui-Mifleget ha-Merkaz) is a Zionist, secular and anti-clerical, free market liberal party in Israel. ... Passover (Hebrew: פסח; transliterated as Pesach or Pesah), also called חג המצות (Chag HaMatzot - Festival of Matzot) is a Jewish holiday which is celebrated in the spring. ... Chametz or Chometz (חמץ) is the Hebrew term for leavened bread. The word is used generally in regard to the Jewish holiday of Passover. ...

Despite all the criticism, Mafdal has had a reputation of honesty and dedication to its parliamentary duties. None of its Knesset members have been accused of corruption.

Current status

2003 government

Mafdal was a member on the 2003 government led by prime minister Ariel Sharon and had two ministers in the cabinet. Ephraim "Effi" Eitam was the Minister of Housing and Zevulun Orlev was the Minister of Labor and Welfare. Rabbi Itzhak Levi was a deputy minister responsible for the Ministry of Religions until it was dismantled. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... (Hebrew: אֲרִיאֵל שָׁרוֹן, also known by his diminutive Arik) (born February 27, 1928) is a former Israeli politician and general. ...

Mafdal helped form the previous government's coalition together with the Likud, Shinui and the National Union, which was based on the following principles: Likud (Hebrew: ליכוד, literally means consolidation) is a hawkish centre-right political party in Israel. ... Shinui (שינוי) (original full name: Tenua le-Shinui ve Yozma and then to Shinui-Mifleget ha-Merkaz) is a Zionist, secular and anti-clerical, free market liberal party in Israel. ... National Union (Hebrew: Haihud HaLeumi האיחוד הלאומי) is an Israeli right-wing party list (סיעה) formed from the merger of three parties: Moledet (homeland), Tkuma (revival) and Renewed National Religious Zionist party. The three parties still operate somewhat independently, but run as one party list in Israeli elections. ...

• A hard line policy against Palestinian terrorism and increasing use of the military for counter terror operations.
• Supporting the Road Map for Peace, but with the reservation that the Palestinians should stop terrorism and elect a democratic prime-minister.
• Supporting the Israeli West Bank barrier, on condition that it will include the major settlement blocks in the West Bank.
• Finding a solution for those people who cannot marry according to Jewish law by creating something similar to a civil marriage.
• Drafting the Haredim for military service.
• Retaining the Jewish character of the state of Israel.
• Obligating the Shinui party not to act unilaterally in matters of state and religion, and that they will discuss the issues with the Mafdal and reach a compromise.

The Mafdal subsequently left the government and went into opposition against the government. The term Palestinian terrorism is commonly used to describe acts of political violence committed by Palestinian individuals or groups against Israelis, Jews, and nationals of other countries. ... Counter-terrorism refers to the practices, tactics, and strategies that governments, militaries, and other groups adopt in order to fight terrorism. ... The road map for peace is a plan to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict proposed by a quartet of international entities: the United States, the European Union, Russia, and the United Nations. ... The barrier route as of May 2005. ... Marriage is a relationship that plays a key role in the definition of many people who (usually) are in a sexual relationship. ... Haredi or Charedi Judaism, often referred to as Ultra-Orthodox Judaism, is the most theologically conservative form of Orthodox Judaism. ... This article describes some ethnic, historic, and cultural aspects of the Jewish identity; for a consideration of the Jewish religion, refer to the article Judaism. ... Shinui (שינוי) (original full name: Tenua le-Shinui ve Yozma and then to Shinui-Mifleget ha-Merkaz) is a Zionist, secular and anti-clerical, free market liberal party in Israel. ...

The disengagement plan

Sharon's unilateral disengagement plan of 2004 from the Gaza Strip, caused great controversy within the Mafdal. Sharon dismissed two cabinet ministers from the National Union in order to achieve a majority for approving the plan in his government. Mafdal declared that it was resisting the plan and any removal of Jews living in Gush Katif (in the Gaza Strip). Mafdal and the Likud right-wing failed to stop the disengagement plan. Israels unilateral disengagement plan (also known as the disengagement plan, תוכנית ההינתקות) is a proposal by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to remove all permanent Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip and northern Samaria (part of what... National Union (Hebrew: Haihud HaLeumi האיחוד הלאומי) is an Israeli right-wing party list (סיעה) formed from the merger of three parties: Moledet (homeland), Tkuma (revival) and Renewed National Religious Zionist party. The three parties still operate somewhat independently, but run as one party list in Israeli elections. ... Gush Katif Gush Katif (also Gush Katiff, Hebrew: גוש קטיף, English: Harvest Belt) was a bloc of 16 Israeli settlements in the southern Gaza Strip. ... Likud (Hebrew: ליכוד, literally means consolidation) is a hawkish centre-right political party in Israel. ...

Eventually, Efi Eitam and Rabbi Itzhak Levi resigned from the government. However, the four other Knesset Members of the Mafdal supported Zvulon Orlev's stand that Mafdal should remain in the coalition and thwart the disengagement plan from inside.

The Mafdal faction in the Knesset has split into two:

1. The Opposition (Eitam and Rabbi Levi) - who had resisted Sharon's plan and see themselves uncommitted to the coalition and government.
2. The Coalition (Orlev, Yaalom, Finklestein) - had voted to stay in the coalition, but vowed to quit when a Jewish settlement dismantled.

• Nisan Salomianski has not taken a clear position, compromising between the two factions.

On September 13, 2004, the Mafdal's "center" (a forum of all Mafdal's party members with voting rights) voted between Efi Eitam's proposal of immediately resigning from the government and Zvulon Orlev's proposal to leave the government only when it approves an actual removal of settlements. Eitam and Orlev agreed that the "center" decision would be binding. [2] The "center" supported Orlev's proposal by 65%-35%. Orlev's proposal stated that Mafdal would stay in the government on condition that the government would not hold a general referendum (משאל עם) regarding removal of the Israeli settlements, which would require a special majority, before the issue could be brought to a decision in the Knesset. If such a referendum would not be held, or if the government would approve a de-facto removal of Israeli settlements, Mafdal would resign from the government. [3] September 13 is the 256th day of the year (257th in leap years). ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Ephraim (Efi, Effie) Eitam (Fein) אפי איתם is an Israeli religious Zionist politician. ... Zevulun Orlev זבולון אורלב is an Israeli politician. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Israeli settlement. ... The modern Knesset building, Israels parliament, in Jerusalem Though similar-sounding, Beit Knesset (בית כנסת) literally means House of Assembly, and refers to a synagogue. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Israeli settlement. ...

It was decided that the Mafdal would resign from the government if: The grammar in this article needs to be checked. ...

• The government approved the dismantling of Israeli settlements.
• The Knesset passed laws of evacuation and compensation.
• The Israeli Labor party joined the government and the coalition.
• A general referendum on the disengagement would not be held.

On November 9 2004, after Ariel Sharon declined Mafdal's demand to hold a national referendum regarding the disengagement, Zevulun Orlev and Mafdal resigned from the coalition and the government, vowing to pursue general elections in an effort to replace Sharon with a right-wing prime minister. After Mafdal's resignation, Sharon had a minority coalition of 56 Knesset members out of 120. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Israeli settlement. ... Labour (העבודה HaAvoda) is an Israeli political party. ... A referendum (plural: referendums or referenda) or plebiscite (from Latin plebiscita, a decree of the Concilium Plebis) is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. ... November 9 is the 313th day of the year (314th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 52 days remaining. ... (Hebrew: אֲרִיאֵל שָׁרוֹן, also known by his diminutive Arik) (born February 27, 1928) is a former Israeli politician and general. ... Israels unilateral disengagement plan (also known as the disengagement plan, תוכנית ההינתקות) is a proposal by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to remove all permanent Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip and northern Samaria (part of what... Zevulun Orlev זבולון אורלב is an Israeli politician. ...

The split

The Mafdal suffered with the defection of Ephraim Eitam and Rabbi Itzhak Levy to the right-wing National Union party in the Knesset. The National Union is a union of the Moledet party (two MKs) and the Tekuma party - a former right-wing faction of Mafdal (two MKs). National Union is currently joined with the Russian-secular Israel Beytenu party (two MKs) which seeks to run alone on the next election. Michael Nudelman, who entered the Knesset from Israel Beytenu, split from the party leaving the NU with six MKs. The grammar in this article needs to be checked. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... National Union (Hebrew: Haihud HaLeumi האיחוד הלאומי) is an Israeli right-wing party list (סיעה) formed from the merger of three parties: Moledet (homeland), Tkuma (revival) and Renewed National Religious Zionist party. The three parties still operate somewhat independently, but run as one party list in Israeli elections. ... Moledet (Hebrew מולדת, literally homeland) is a small right-wing political party in Israel. ... Yisrael Beytenu (Hebrew: ישראל ביתנו, Israel Our Home) is a right-wing political party in Israel. ...

The rise of a new party among the religious Zionist right (as opposed to the largely secular National Union leadership) is also endangering the survival of the Mafdal in the Knesset today after more than a half-century as a key partner in almost every government. The Religious Zionist Movement, or Religious Zionism is an ideology combining Zionism and Judaism, which offers Zionism based on the principles of Jewish religion and heritage. ...

With the Eitam-Levy defection, the party is reduced to four MK's (3% of the assembly) and boost the National Union to six. Eitam and Levy have declared a campaign to get Zevulun Orlev and the remaining Mafdal MK's to join the National Union, thereby boosting the NU coalition with Yisrael Baiteinu to twelve seats. In response, Orlev has a launched a membership drive (Mifkad) which was disappointing which re-enforced the National Union's leadership of the right's opposition to the withdrawal plan. Because Eitam was the current leader of the Mafdal, and Levy was his predecessor until his 2002 election as party head, the top tier leadership of the party is therefore currently leaving, and left behind was the pragmatic arm led by Orlev that suffered in recent polls. Zevulun Orlev זבולון אורלב is an Israeli politician. ...

On February 14, 2005, Eitam was suspended from the party chairmanship by the Mafdal internal court, after he left the government against the center decision. [4] February 14 is the 45th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

On February 23, 2005, Ephraim Eitam and Rabbi Itzhak Levi announced that they had officially split from the Mafdal to form a new party, called the "Religious Zionism Party". The new party and Knesset faction will work together with National Union and might even run together next elections as a joint list. [5] February 23 is the 54th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... National Union (Hebrew: Haihud HaLeumi האיחוד הלאומי) is an Israeli right-wing party list (סיעה) formed from the merger of three parties: Moledet (homeland), Tkuma (revival) and Renewed National Religious Zionist party. The three parties still operate somewhat independently, but run as one party list in Israeli elections. ...

On February 9, 2006, Mafdal joined Haichud Haleumi (National Union). February 9 is the 40th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

See also

• List of political parties in Israel

Political parties in Israel: Israels political system is based on proportional representation which allows for a multi-party system with numerous parties, in which a single party usually has no chance of gaining power by itself, forcing the parties to cooperate and form coalition governments. ...

External links

• Mafdal Overview and Mafdal Platform (English)
• The Israeli Knesset Official Website (Hebrew, English and Arabic)