Election Committee Halts Satmar Charity's Vote-Buying Scheme

The Central Elections Committee has issued a temporary order against the "Shekel HaTahor" (Pure Shekel) organization, which is linked to the Satmar Hasidic community. The order prohibits the organization from offering money to voters to influence their decision not to vote in elections. The directive was issued by Committee Chairman Justice Noam Sohlberg following a petition from the Movement for Quality of Government in Israel.

The Movement for Quality of Government alleged that "Shekel HaTahor" has been distributing $200 "grants" to individuals within the Hasidic community who pledge not to vote. They contend this practice constitutes a violation of election laws prohibiting bribery aimed at influencing voters to abstain or vote for a specific list.

Justice Sohlberg found that the evidence presented raised serious concerns about a violation of election law, which strikes at the core of electoral integrity. The "Shekel HaTahor" fund, established about 13 years ago by the Satmar Rebbe, typically provides grants to those who refuse state funding. This year, the program was reportedly expanded to include additional communities within the Haredi sector that commit to boycotting elections. The Satmar Rebbe was briefed on the expansion plans shortly before Yom Kippur.

The temporary order will remain in effect until further notice, effectively halting the organization's alleged attempts to influence the upcoming elections through financial incentives.