Satmar Hassidic Group Launches $1 Million Campaign Against Voting

While Israeli politicians campaign for votes, the Satmar Hassidic group has launched a significant campaign to discourage participation in the upcoming Knesset elections. The group is distributing millions of shekels, estimated to be over $1 million, as grants to thousands of individuals and additional communities within the ultra-Orthodox sector who have committed to abstaining from voting. This initiative is being carried out by the "Shakal Ha'Tahor" (Pure Shekel) fund, established 13 years ago by the Satmar Rebbe during a visit to Israel. The fund's primary goal is to provide financial support to Torah, education, and charity institutions that refuse government funding, as well as to assist needy families.

The campaign's expansion this year includes new communities that have pledged not to vote. The Satmar Rebbe reportedly reviewed the distribution plans and gave his blessing to the initiative after receiving a comprehensive briefing on the eve of Yom Kippur. The funding for this extensive operation comes from wealthy donors and philanthropists within the Satmar community in the United States and globally, operating under the direct guidance of the Rebbe. Key figures managing the fundraising include Rabbi Shmuel Teitelbaum, the Rebbe's aide, and major donors such as the Mendelovitch and Kraus families, Yoeli Landau, Lipa Friedman, and Shlomo Peder.

This approach contrasts sharply with the efforts of other ultra-Orthodox parties, whose Knesset members are actively touring the country, attending community events, and soliciting votes ahead of the elections.