Degel HaTorah Launches Election Campaign Under Slogan 'The Right to Be Haredi'

The Degel HaTorah party officially launched its election campaign for the United Torah Judaism list at a Saturday night event in the Haffetz Hayim moshav. Hundreds of activists, council members, and campaign leaders from across Israel attended, alongside the movement's rabbis and Knesset members.

Speakers emphasized the importance of voting, addressing recent changes in the party's Knesset list, and unveiled the campaign slogan: "The Right to Be Haredi." Rabbi Natan Zochowski, chairman of Degel HaTorah's Council of Rabbis, relayed a message from Rabbi Gershon Edelstein, quoting Rabbi Chazon Ish, who stressed the "obligation to vote." Rabbi Mordechai Hirshenson stated that the current elections are a matter of "saving a life" for their community.

Rabbi Yosef Efrati addressed the decision to replace Knesset members Moshe Gafni and Uri Maklev, explaining that Rabbi Edelstein had clarified that the outgoing representatives fulfilled their duties faithfully and that the decision to replace them was made by him. "If the great rabbis decided to do this, do we have doubts?" Efrati asked, adding that Degel HaTorah is built on obedience to its rabbis.

Knesset Member Moshe Gafni, chairman of Degel HaTorah, urged activists to mobilize for the election campaign, highlighting the movement's commitment to assisting all people regardless of background. He stated that the party follows the "word of Torah, even when right is left and left is right."

Knesset Member Yaakov Asher, chairman of United Torah Judaism, presented the election slogan "The Right to Be Haredi" and called on activists to act with confidence in the movement's path, asserting, "It is our full right to be Haredi and we are not apologizing for it for a moment." Asher also claimed that there are efforts, funded by donors in Israel and abroad, to weaken and divide the Haredi vote, urging increased activity.

Knesset Member Uri Maklev was absent due to the death of his daughter-in-law. Gafni and Asher expressed condolences during the event. The gathering was moderated by Menachem Shapira, director of Degel HaTorah's municipal department and deputy mayor of Bnei Brak, who called for expanding support for the movement and bringing more voters to the polls.