Satmar Hassidic Group Funds Non-Voters with Millions

The Satmar Hassidic community is launching a campaign against voting in the upcoming elections, distributing millions of shekels to thousands of recipients. The funds, provided by the Satmar 'Shekel HaTahor' foundation, will be given to Israeli citizens belonging to the Edah HaChareidis and other Haredi communities who have decided not to vote in the upcoming elections. This marks the first time the campaign has expanded to include these additional communities.

Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar reviewed the distribution plan and approved the expansion of grants to new communities. The 'Shekel HaTahor' foundation, established 13 years ago by the Satmar Rebbe during a visit to Israel, provides significant funding to Torah and education institutions that refuse government support, as well as aid to needy families. The foundation receives substantial backing from Satmar Hassidim, with Rabbi Teitelbaum tasking his aide, Rabbi Shmuel Teitelbaum, with fundraising efforts. Prominent donors include the Mendelovitch and Kraus families, along with Yoeli Landau, Lipa Friedman, and Shlomo Peder.