In Jewish law, it is a requirement to show concern for the “other”: the transient, the orphan, and the widow. In modern terms, this translates into concern for single-parent mothers, seniors who have to rummage through garbage bins in order to survive, the terminally ill who cry out for life-prolonging medicine, foreign workers, persons with disabilities, and the indigent.

MK Rabbi Melchior laments the fact that Israel of all places—the state of the Jewish people—has some of the world’s largest social and economic disparities. The social issue, Rabbi Melchior argues, has become a “hostage” to the cause of national defense. Whenever a defense issue comes up, social issues are marginalized in the belief that they are less “urgent.” As a result of this misapprehension, in Rabbi Melchior’s opinion, the social gaps are worsening so badly that the social fabric—the foundation of the country’s existence—is unraveling. “We’re so intent on safeguarding the borders of the state,” Rabbi Melchior says, “but unless we safeguard what’s inside them, there won’t be anything left to safeguard the borders for.” One of Rabbi Melchior’s principal goals is to care for all disempowered population groups who reside “outside the pale.” His actions are informed by the view that every individual deserves equal treatment as a human being.

Thus, the social domain is central in Rabbi Melchior’s endeavors. This explains why he has chosen to serve in various functions related to this field during his career—minister and deputy minister for Israeli Society, Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Sports; chair of the Knesset Committee on Children’s Rights, member of the Immigration and Absorption Committee, chair of the environmental lobby, and chair of the Knesset Lobby for Jewish–Arab Coexistence, among others.

In May 2006, Rabbi Melchior began his tenure as chair of the Knesset Education, Culture, and Sports Committee—a post that has much influence on shaping the future of Israeli society.