The new government is poised to set up a special committee to review the longstanding regions-secular status quo in Israel, Israel Hayom learned Tuesday.
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The panel, which will likely be formed under the Religious Services Ministry, is expected to look into controversial matters such as conversion, kashrut, and public transportation on Shabbat.
"This issues must be resolved," a senior coalition source said, adding that in all likelihood, the committee will try to promote understandings similar to those reached over 20 years ago as part of the Gavison-Medan Covenant.
The agreements, crafted by Professor Ruth Gavison and Orthodox Rabbi Yaaqov Medan sought to retain the state's Jewish character while minimizing religious coercion. The recommendations, however, were never implemented as lawmakers could never agree on them.
"It's very unfortunate that the Gavison-Medan Covenant was never ratified. That's why we are where we are today" in terms of the status-quo, the official said.
Seeking to ease any concerns the ultra-Orthodox may express, he added that the panel will make sure to take their concerns into account, but it will have to discuss hot-button issues.
"Solutions can be found and they need to be holistic. We can reach understandings that would eventually satisfy everyone," he stressed.
The Haredim, he added, "always prefer to do nothing, but they come up short. If you insist on 'all or nothing – you are the one left with nothing in the end."
Upon taking office on Monday Religious Services Minister Matan Kahana (Yamina) said, "Judaism has become a polarizing issue but it needs to be a uniting factor. I want things to be different and we will pursue policies to that effect."
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