Israeli Lawmaker Calls for Primaries in Agudat Yisrael Party

Member of Knesset Meir Porush, chairman of the 'Shloimei Emunim' faction, has publicly called for significant structural changes within the Haredi representation system, advocating for internal party elections, known as primaries.

In an interview with journalists Eliezer Schulman and Meir Berger for the newspaper 'HaMevaser', Porush expressed his belief that direct voting rights for the public are the sole solution to the disconnect felt between constituents and their elected representatives. He stated, "I am in favor of doing it again," referring to internal elections, noting that Agudat Yisrael last held such elections 50 years ago, with lasting historical results.

Porush argued that implementing primaries would be the most effective way to bridge the gap between voters and the political establishment. "The moment you give the public the power to decide who will represent them, it immediately resolves all feelings of disconnect," he explained. He also pointed out that the term 'primaries' has been officially incorporated into Agudat Yisrael's new regulations.

Highlighting the practical success of his faction, 'Shloimei Emunim', in local government, Porush cited examples where primaries were held in various cities before municipal elections, including Jerusalem. He credited this approach for bringing a young and energetic representative, R' Yitzchak Meir Baram, onto the Jerusalem City Council. Porush believes this model, which has proven successful in other municipalities, should be adopted at the national level for Agudat Yisrael.

He emphasized that elected officials should not feel their positions are divinely ordained or secured by privilege, but rather that they are accountable to the public. "A public representative must know that anyone can approach him, slam the table, and say, 'I voted for you, and you must help me,'" Porush asserted.

Porush revealed that he personally applies this principle to his own work, seeking renewed trust from community representatives before submitting Knesset lists, rather than continuing automatically. He stated, "I demand this of myself first and foremost." This, he explained, reinforces his daily commitment to the public that elected him.