Shas chairman Aryeh Deri announced Thursday a new initiative aimed at strengthening Jewish religious observance, pledging to provide every Jewish boy in Eretz Yisrael with a free pair of tefillin and a tallis upon reaching Bar Mitzvah age.

The proposed program, called "Tefillin for Every Child," would provide boys turning 13 with a Bar Mitzvah package distributed through the education system, regardless of their families' financial circumstances.

Deri presented the initiative as part of Shas's commitments ahead of the upcoming elections, saying the party would work to implement the program through the next government.

In addition to distributing tefillin and talleisim, Shas intends to advance legislation requiring schools to designate suitable areas where students who wish to put on tefillin and daven can do so during the school day.

The proposal follows public debate over the role of religious observance in Israeli educational institutions. Deri said the initiative was intended to reinforce the connection between Jewish youth and their religious heritage.

Deri emphasized the significance of tefillin as a longstanding symbol of Jewish identity and observance, describing the mitzvah as an important expression of the Jewish people's connection to Torah and tradition.

The announcement also comes amid political disagreements over religion in public institutions, with Deri presenting the initiative in response to statements by political figures advocating a reduced religious presence in public life.

While the proposal outlines plans to distribute tefillin and establish designated prayer spaces, details regarding funding, implementation, and administrative arrangements have not yet been announced.

The initiative remains a political commitment and has not yet been enacted into law or implemented by the education system.