Yesh Atid against Judaism
Yesh Atid MK Rips Up Law Protecting Tefilin | WATCH
MK Meirav Ben-Ari made a scene on the Knesset floor today, ripping up her copy of a bill intended to protect the right to put on tefilin in public. Despite her outburst, the bill passed its preliminary hearing.
A heated confrontation erupted Wednesday in the Knesset plenum after MK Merav Ben-Ari tore up a bill proposed by MK Galit Distel-Atbaryan concerning the placement of tefillin in public spaces.
The incident occurred during a debate on Distel-Atbaryan’s controversial proposal, often referred to by its supporters as the “Jewish Identity Law,” which seeks to anchor the right to lay tefillin in the public sphere. As Distel-Atbaryan addressed the plenum, Ben Ari rose from her seat, approached the podium, and ripped the printed text of the bill in full view of the chamber, shouting, “Shame on you.”
The act immediately triggered disorder in the plenum, with shouting and interruptions from lawmakers across the political spectrum.
Distel-Atbaryan responded with a personal retort, telling Ben Ari: “Since your chances of seeing the next Knesset are close to zero, Habima is looking for actors,” referencing Israel’s national theater.
The bill itself had just passed a preliminary reading, intensifying tensions around the debate. Supporters argue the legislation protects Jewish religious expression, while critics warn it blurs the line between religion and state and risks coercion in public spaces.
The unusual protest added to the growing controversy surrounding the proposal and underscored the increasingly volatile tone of debates over religion, identity, and public life in the Knesset.