First Woman in Ultra-Orthodox Party Seeks Political Change

Dr. Nehumi Yaffe, a former academic who spent time at Harvard, has entered politics, becoming the first woman to run for the Knesset on behalf of an ultra-Orthodox party. She is positioned third on the "Religious Public" party list, a new right-wing faction that supports military conscription for those not studying Torah and the inclusion of core curriculum studies in religious schools.

Yaffe, 50, a mother of three and grandmother of two, stated that the events of October 7th profoundly impacted her perspective on the ultra-Orthodox community and its role in Israeli society. She believes the community missed an opportunity to integrate more deeply with the rest of the nation following the attacks. "The ultra-Orthodox parties have lost their historical role," she asserted, noting that extremist voices have gained dominance within the parties.

She explained her decision to enter politics, despite previously believing she was unsuited for it, stemmed from a sense of mission and a desire to see change from within. Yaffe, who grew up in the Belz Hasidic dynasty and became the first ultra-Orthodox faculty member at Tel Aviv University, emphasized that her aim is not to secularize the ultra-Orthodox community but to represent those who cannot or do not wish to dedicate their lives solely to religious study. "If you wanted to secularize the ultra-Orthodox society, you will not get it," she clarified.

Yaffe anticipates criticism and backlash, stating, "Everything they told me, and I think it's true, is, I am a threat." She acknowledged that her public life has come at a personal cost, including strained relationships and her divorce, but believes her candidacy opens doors for other conservative women and aims to give women a voice in decision-making processes within the community.