Deputy Finance Minister calls Haredim 'parasites' in radio interview (apologizes later)
Levy's controversial comment came while he was talking about haredi integration into Israel's labor force. "They must shoulder the burden together, they must integrate," he said. "They cannot be a parasite on the Israeli public."
An outraged Lavi hit back. "Parasites on the Israeli public? Do you really think I am a parasite? That haredim are parasites? How are you not ashamed to say this on the air?"
Levy swiftly apologized, but Lavi did not ease up his criticism. "You apologized because you realized that you've let slip something wrong, but it remains in your thoughts," he told Levy.
The deputy finance minster's comment came two days after Finance Minister Yair Lapid lashed out at haredi lawmakers Monday evening in his first speech in the Knesset since joining the cabinet.'Parasites' is a loaded term here in Israel because it's the term that the Nazis - may their memory be obliterated - used for all Jews.
Independent of the army controversy, there are many Haredi males in this country who would love to go out and work, but who will not give up being Haredi in order to do so. Who will hire them? (See especially item 2 in the second numbered list in that post).
Labels: Haredim, IDF, Israeli economy, Yesh Atid party
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 3:58 PM
2 Comments:
Mickey Levy, former Israeli kapo police thug.
spit
It is indeed inacceptable to use such language in our Knesset. To my mind, many MK's lack what I know as culture and good manners.
The very same problem Israel had with its previous vice FM who ignored how to behave in front of the ambassador from Turkey. I believe that many problems we have with Turkey stem from this ugly episode.
However, it is also inacceptable that citizens abuse our country and ist financial resources.
Post a Comment
<< Home