Rabbi Uri Shariki Rules on Voting for Non-Jewish Candidates

Rabbi Uri Shariki has stated that there is no halachic prohibition against voting for a political party that includes a non-Jewish candidate. In an interview with the publication 'HaDor', the rabbi firmly responded to the question, asserting, "There is certainly no problem whatsoever." Rabbi Shariki based his ruling on the decision of Rabbi Shaul Yisraeli from the early years of the state. He explained that the prohibition against appointing a non-Jew to a position, other than the monarchy, applies to hereditary roles. In democratic countries, where positions are not inherited, this prohibition does not apply.

To further support his position, Rabbi Shariki cited a story from the Talmudic tractate Chullin concerning Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa, who miraculously opened a river three times. One instance was for himself, another for someone undertaking a mitzvah, and the third for a non-Jewish companion accompanying him. Rabbi Shariki elaborated on the lesson from the Gemara, stating, "So they won't say, 'This is how they treat companions.' This means that whoever fights with you is part of the matter."