Professors for a Strong Israel
Statement to the Press - 6 August 2000
Re: The National Religious Party and the Television Tax
Last week, Prof. Eli Pollak, Chairman of PSI, wrote the following letter
to the Members of Knesset from the National Religious Party and to the
Party's chairman, Rabbi Yitzhak Levy:
To:
Rabbi Yitzhak Levy
MK Rabbi Haim Druckman
MK Zevulun Orlev
MK Yigal Bibi
MK Shaul Yahalom
MK Nahum Langenthal
Gentlemen,
Last week the NRP, represented by MK Shaul Yahalom, acted to oppose
legislation proposed by MK Rabbi Benny Elon that would repeal the Broadcast
Authority Levy. I urge you, in the name of Professors for a Strong Israel
and myself, to change direction and to support this bill when when it comes
up for its first reading in the Knesset. The reasons are as follows:
- The Broadcast Authority has long since ceased being a non-partisan
state institution. Quite the contrary: It is one of the most powerful bodies
working to change the character of the state from Jewish to post-Zionist.
All attempts to force the Authority to obey the law and to act to strengthen
the nation's bonds with its Jewish heritage have failed. Only a serious
blow can change the situation. Rabbi Elon's bill will prevent the directors
and staff of the Authority from continuing their illegal activities.
- The television tax is the most regressive tax in existence in Israel.
A wealthy man who owns ten television sets pays the same amount as a poor
man with one small set.
- The Broadcast Authority wastes enormous sums with no oversight.
I can testify to this as a member of the Authority's Finance Committee.
This waste of public funds cannot be permitted to continue.
I am happy to put myself at your disposal and to appear before the NRP
caucus or in any other forum in order to convince you that the Broadcast
Authority Levy must be repealed, and quickly.
Respectfully yours,
Professor Eli Pollak, Chairman