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The National Religious Party (i 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. 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 Jew ish 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 . 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 framwork 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 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. Around 1969 , a new generation arose in the Mafdal, led by Zvulun Hamer 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 lead the Mafdal into the right-wing of Israeli politics. Perhaps ironically, Yosef Burg outlived Zvulun Hamer, who died in 1997 . 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). 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. From its inception the Mafdal maintained an almost constant number of 12 members of the Israeli parties such as Tami and later Shas . 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. 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. 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. 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 . Source: 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 . Mafdal argues that affairs of personal status (such as Marriage , Divorce s and Burial ) should be kept under the authority of Israel's rabbis (or other religious clerics for non-Jews). 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.) 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. 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 Rabbi nate 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 . The isssue pf 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" [http://mafdal.org.il/?sid=27]. However, it does not reject any of the current arrangements, nor does it suggest limiting the number of non-serving students in any way. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the settlements Mafdal's views on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict can be summarized as:
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. 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. 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. 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. MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS Knesset members Mafdal had six seats in the 16th Knesset (elected 2003) . The members: # Ephraim Eitam (Efi Fine) - 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. # Zevulun Orlev - A Teacher , won the award of the ''Best legistlator of the 15th Knesset ''. Orlev earned a medal of honor in the Yom Kippur War . # Shaul Yahalom - the head of Mafdal Knesset faction. One of Mafdal's most experienced Knesset members. # Izhak Levi - a Rabbi and a teacher. Senior Knesset member. # Gila Finklestein - was a principal of the religious high school ''Zeitlin'' (צייטלין) in Tel Aviv . # Nisan Salomianski - a Physicist and qualified for the rabbinate. Supporters Mafdal supporters are comprised mainly of Religious Zionist s, 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 Israel i state and society. 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. The religious Zionists can be recognized by their colorful hand knitted Kippah (''yarmulkah'') ("skull-cap") (כיפה) hence there nickname: הכיפות הסרוגות (''Ha-Kippot Ha-Srugot'', lit. "The Knitted Yarmulkhas"). 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). 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 . Critism 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). 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 Eitam was the Minister of Housing and Zvulon Orlev was the Minister of Labor and Welfare. Rabbi Itzhak Levi was a deputy minister responsible for the Religions ministry until it was dimantled. Mafdal helped form the previous government's coation together with the Likud , Shinui and the National Union , which was based on the following principles:
The Mafdal subsequently left the government and went into opposition against the government. 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 disenagement plan. 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 disemagement plan from inside. The Mafdal faction in the Knesset has split into two: #The Opposition (Eitam and Rabbi Levi) - who had resisted Sharon's plan and see themselves uncommitted to the coalition and government. #The Coalition (Orlev, Yaalom, Finklestein) - had voted to stay in the coalition, but vowed to quit when a Jewish settlement dismantled.
On , 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. {Link without Title} It was decided that the Mafdal would resign from the government if:
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. 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 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. 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-inforced 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. On February 14 2005, Eitam was suspended from the party chairmainship by the Mafdal internal court, after he left the government against the center decision. {Link without Title} 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. {Link without Title} On the 9th February '06 Mafdal joined Haichud Haleumi (National Union). SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS
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