New Housing Minister Commits: We Will Tend to Both Avreichim and Discharged Soldiers

The Ministry of Construction and Housing held a ministerial exchange ceremony on Sunday, with Ze’ev Elkin giving way to new Minister Rabbi Yitzchak Goldknopf, who referred to the actions he plans to take during the upcoming term.

With the aim of clarifying his statements throughout the months of the campaign and the negotiations, the incoming Minister of Construction and Housing Rabbi Goldknopf gave a conciliatory speech before the change of ministers in the ministry, while committing to take care of both the discharged soldiers and avreichim so that they can purchase an apartment.

Rabbi Goldknopf’s comments came in light of his statement on the eve of the elections that “it is more difficult to study Torah than to be a fighter on the front,” in an interview with Channel 13.

In his speech on Sunday, Rabbi Goldknopf clarified his words and said: “We have a special duty to discharged soldiers. It is unacceptable that those who dedicate their best years to the safety of the citizens of Israel, will stand as paupers at the door when they come to purchase a house, and will need donations to cover their rent.

“We also have a duty to the avreichim who make do with little and ask for a roof over their heads. We have a duty to all young couples from all sectors – regardless of religion, race or outlook. We will not be sectoral or non-sector. The housing problem is common to everyone and we will work hard to help everyone.”

In his words, he sought to explain another statement that caused an uproar, after about two weeks ago he stated that he was not familiar with the housing crisis, he explained his words, “I was referring to the fact that I am coming to a position without prejudice, I said that I am not familiar with the housing crisis. Of course, the intention was not that ‘there is no crisis,’ except that I am new to the position and therefore do not know enough about the causes of the housing crisis.”

Rabbi Goldknopf also made a commitment regarding construction in Yehudah and Shomron.

“We will help our brothers who live in Yehudah and Shomron and as I saw during my visits there on the eve of the elections – part of the solution to the housing crisis lies in these areas,” said Rabbi Goldknopf, adding: “Just as importantly, it is our duty to help them improve their personal security, which is a guarantee for continued living and development there.”