One of the ministers in our government is a young (41), handsome person. He's got 17 (!) siblings and 8(!) kids. He looks well, considering his large family background.
He belongs to the orthodox religious circles which emphasize studying text (Thorah, talmudic books), over physical and worldly activities. In his case. he has studied beyond religious subjects, and got a profession in accountancy and industrial management.
The state invests a lot in families of this sort - religious with many kids (by way of alowances, benefits, stipends) without getting much if anything in return, in terms of taxes and army service. That causes great and persistent tension between the secular and the orthodox communities, and nothing good is going to come out of it.
The logo "Shivion Banetel" (sharing equally the burden of both security and economy) is constantly on the lips of the secular people of the israeli society. This will actually determine the future and stability of the country in the years to come.
Well, in spite of studying he has time for other things too..evidently. I wish him all the best. Thanks for this update. I will be watching for this one and see if he makes a difference. I hope so.
ReplyDelete"...other things too.." Right, I believe eight is not the final number, especially that he's got only girls , and he probably dreams of a boy.
DeleteOh, you are so right.
DeleteI am wondering what his wife thinks. He just plants the seed. His job is done.
ReplyDeleteWife cooperates. That's how it is in religious couples. Here, she probably knows for sure that the job is not finished. Eight girls and no boy, is quite a blow for these people.
DeleteMy aunt had 14 siblings including herself. Living on a farm more children meant more helpers when they got older. No money from our government though for this. Hope all goes well with this minister. Janice
ReplyDeleteFarm helpers, and not a burden on the government, sounds good. The minister is fine; it's his suggestions for reforms that cause a turmoil.
Delete8 kids!
ReplyDeleteNice. Probably, not the last word.
DeleteHis poor wife. And his daughters too, knowing that they are 'not enough'. I hope that he has time to make some positive differences to the community.
ReplyDeleteWell, they don't feel poor; they understand the game. It's part of the orthodox way of life.
DeleteBy the way, in arabic a father to so many girls is called: Abu -el-Banat - father of girls. I've seen a picture of his with 3 of the girls around him. He was smiling from ear to ear, but I believe he 's already looking fotward to the next trial.
If people are too frum to serve in combat, why don't they give three years of service in other essential army work eg teaching, medicine, building, engineering, cooking, truck driving. As long as they live in the same conditions and earn the same pittance as ordinary soldiers, they will have given their 3 years of important service to the nation.
ReplyDeleteThe country cannot afford giving up so many thousands of soldiers. "service to the nation" in forms other than security is no longer relevant.
DeleteLet's hope he does well and keeps to his word.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly comes from a large family of 17, and 8 children of his own, he should know about feeding and looking after a family in the government.
True. There are things in his background as a large family, that should make him a better minister, with greater understanding of the nation's needs.
Delete17 siblings ? It's a pity that men can't give birth, I think after one he would have stopped ! Fortunately he doesn't live in China were only 2 children are allowed. Who pays for studies one child is already expensive !
ReplyDeleteHe's lucky to live in Israel; children's needs are paid by the government, which in a way is suicidal for the country.
DeleteThere are tensions like this in smaller scale in the US, particularly where the religious community takes over school boards and administers for their own ideals, not always in line with the greater community's wishes. It's an endless issue, though I do respect people who really live their beliefs.
ReplyDeleteThis kind of tensions are worldwide. However, in Israel they are of high proportions and unbearable. I can respect people who live according to their beliefs , but on their money, not on other people's money.
DeleteWe work so hard here, to separate church and state. An interesting post.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Canada has also this kind of problem. We are very interested in separation, but it is not practical. For a start, we've got no territory. We live in a tiny country.
DeleteI'm sure he has plenty of time since he just makes a baby in a few minutes and besides the 9 months of pregnancy I'm sure his wife takes on the majority of childcare. I hope he works out and is a fair and decent man.
ReplyDeleteSo far, he's judged only by his ministerial work. I must admit, his projects are considered provocative for the existing institutions, and he's highly criticized.
DeleteI enjoyed this peek into Israeli politics and religious practices, Duta. I do hope he does well in his obligations to the country. There are many here in America (where the freedom to worship as we choose is in our Constitution) who are trying to marginalize devout Christians, Jews and even Muslims. Thank God this liberal movement seems to be backfiring. I hope people of faith will continue to push back.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I respect every religion, and though not a religious person myself, I believe in God, and I practice quite a few jewish traditions. Having said that, I must stress, however, the fact that we got deep problems here regarding orthodox and secular communities, so much so, that we might expect some explosion quite soon, I'm afraid.
DeleteWow, he came from a big family and now is on his way to creating his own. I can't even imagine having that many kids. Can the world support these kind of families. What will the world b like for them as they grow up. Nothing is guaranteed.
ReplyDeleteYes, Bill, correct. You've asked two very relevant questions, and here are my answers:
Delete1. I don't know about the world, but we, as a tiny country cannot support this kind of families; support like that will completely destroy the country's economy.
2. The world is going to be quite cruel to the young generation.
It seems that eight children may not be the final number ...
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
No way he"ll leave it to eight, especially that he hopes to see a boy coming along as an addition to the eight girls.
DeleteThis is interesting. Can you imagine that big a family? It's a little overwhelming in the future..
ReplyDeleteIn Israel one can imagine all sorts of things.
Delete'Overwhelming' is quite a mild word regarding the 'big family' topic.
The days of large families here are in the past. I always think of the poor women in those circumstances! Imagine 17 children…no I can’t even imagine it.
ReplyDeleteWell, it depends where one lives, and on the population makeup. We've got a large population that originates in Asia-Afica and with it comes the high birth rate.
DeleteI'm glad you think so, Sandra.
ReplyDeleteThe way to name so many children would not be easy.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, RC. Name giving is not an easy task:)
ReplyDeletewow some reality, not the kind of fact finding the average tourist would come across in your country, thankyou! very interesting to understand religious/economic tensions.
ReplyDeleteHi Betty. I wish our reality was less tense and divided, as it might lead us to a dangerous situation.
DeleteThanks, Duta, for an interesting insight into a part of your country's structure. I'm embarrassed I know so little about the political systems of other countries.
ReplyDeleteNo need to feel embarrased Pauline. Political systems are not interesting and usually not worth knowing much about.
DeleteYou'll no doubt keep us posted on the tensions between the secular and orthodox. Do you think the country can survive this?
ReplyDeleteI wish I could answer your answer in the affirmative, but I'm afraid I can't do that. We are in God's hands and under His protection, and all we can do is hope for a good outcome.
DeleteIndeed so.
DeleteAn interesting take on it all.
ReplyDeleteI have always thought it is highly unfair that the (ultra) orthodox religious families get so much money from the government and don't have to fulfill the same tasks as "normal" people in Israel. And those big families - how shall our poor planet provide for such big families (not just in Israel)?
ReplyDeleteGood thinking, and good question Carola! The people in the high places, however, are not bothered by what we think and ask, and do nothing to prevent and solve existential problems.
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