New Laws in the Knesset Regarding Religious Study and Mosque Speakers

以色列國會關於宗教學習與清真寺擴音設備的新法案


Introduction

The Israeli parliament has moved forward with two different laws: one that aims to give Torah study a constitutional status and another that seeks to limit the use of loudspeakers for the Muslim call to prayer.

以色列國會推進了兩項不同的法案:一項旨在賦予學習妥拉憲法地位,另一項則尋求限制穆斯林呼籲祈禱時使用擴音設備。

Main Body

The 'Basic Law: Torah Study' bill, proposed by the United Torah Judaism party, passed its first reading with 63 votes in favor and 53 against. This law intends to establish Torah study as a core value within the country's legal system. This move follows a period of tension where Haredi party leaders threatened to stop participating in coalition meetings unless their priorities were met. Consequently, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined the vote, showing his support for these goals in exchange for Haredi backing on other political issues, such as the powers of the Attorney General.

由聯合妥拉猶太主義黨提出的《基本法:妥拉學習》法案,在首讀中以63票贊成、53票反對通過。此法案旨在將妥拉學習確立為國家法律體系內的核心價值。此舉發生在一段緊張時期之後,當時哈瑞迪黨領袖威脅,除非其優先事項獲得滿足,否則將停止參與執政聯盟會議。因此,總理納坦雅胡參與了投票,表示支持這些目標,以換取哈瑞迪在其他政治議題(如總檢察長的權力)上的支持。

However, this bill has caused significant disagreement within the government. While it passed, some members of the Likud and Religious Zionist parties opposed it. Furthermore, critics and opposition leaders, including Naftali Bennett, assert that the law is simply a way to make avoiding military service legal. This is particularly concerning because the IDF is currently facing a serious shortage of soldiers. Additionally, the Deputy Attorney-General emphasized that the bill's purpose is unclear and could create an unfair balance in society.

然而,此法案在政府內部引起了顯著分歧。儘管法案通過,但利庫德黨和宗教錫安主義黨的部分成員表示反對。此外,包括納夫塔利·貝內特在內的批評者和反對派領袖主張,該法案僅僅是一種將逃避兵役合法化的手段。由於以色列國防軍(IDF)目前正面臨嚴重的士兵短缺,這一點尤為令人擔憂。此外,副總檢察長強調,該法案的目的不明確,可能會導致社會失衡。

At the same time, the Knesset approved the first stage of a bill from the Otzma Yehudit party to ban the use of loudspeakers for the adhan (the call to prayer). This measure, which is also supported by the Yisrael Beiteinu party, aims to strictly control noise from mosques. Under these new rules, mosques would need official permission to install or use sound systems, which would effectively limit the call to prayer to the inside of the building.

與此同時,國會通過了強猶太黨提出法案的第一階段,禁止在呼籲祈禱(adhan)時使用擴音設備。此項措施亦獲得以色列我家黨的支持,旨在嚴格控制清真寺的噪音。根據新規定,清真寺安裝或使用音響系統需獲得官方許可,這將有效地將祈禱聲限制在建築物內部。

Conclusion

Both the law on Torah study and the restrictions on mosque audio must go through more readings before they become official. Meanwhile, the Torah study law may face legal challenges in court.

關於妥拉學習與清真寺音響限制的法案,在正式生效前仍需經過更多次審議。同時,妥拉學習法案可能會在法院面臨法律挑戰。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Connecting' Secret: Moving Beyond 'And' & 'But'

To move from A2 to B2, you must stop using simple sentences. The article uses Logical Connectors to glue complex ideas together. Instead of saying "This happened. Then that happened," B2 speakers use words that show the relationship between ideas.

🛠 The Upgrade Path

Instead of (A2)...Use this (B2)...Why?
ButHoweverIt signals a strong contrast at the start of a new sentence.
AndFurthermoreIt adds a new, more important point to your argument.
SoConsequentlyIt shows a direct cause-and-effect result.
AlsoAdditionallyIt makes your writing sound formal and academic.

🔍 Analysis in Action

Look at how the text builds a bridge between different political views:

"...passed its first reading... Consequently, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joined the vote..."

If the author used "So," it would sound like a casual conversation. By using Consequently, the text tells us that the Prime Minister's action was a strategic result of the Haredi party's threats. It transforms a simple fact into a political analysis.

💡 Pro-Tip for Fluency

Next time you want to say "But," pause. Try starting your sentence with "However," followed by a comma. This small shift in structure is one of the fastest ways to make your English sound more professional and 'upper-intermediate'.

Vocabulary Learning

constitutional (adj.)
Relating to the set of basic laws and principles that establish how a country is governed.
Example:The court had to decide if the new law was constitutional or if it violated the nation's basic rights.
coalition (n.)
A temporary alliance of different political parties to form a government.
Example:The two parties formed a coalition to ensure they had enough votes to pass the budget.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:He failed to study for the exam; consequently, he received a low grade.
assert (v.)
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyer continued to assert that his client was innocent despite the evidence.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher emphasized that the deadline for the project was Friday.
effectively (adv.)
In a way that produces the desired result, or used to describe a practical result even if not officially stated.
Example:The new regulations effectively banned smoking in all public parks.
Practice B2 words in a crossword