Haredi Community Accused of Vote-Buying, Child Marriage, and Abuse

Members of the closed "Heichal HaKodesh" community in Yavniel have allegedly been registered as members of the Likud party in exchange for promises of food packages for Passover and Sukkot. Reports indicate that women in the community were unaware they had been registered as party members, discovering it retroactively. Some voters reportedly received pre-filled ballots with predetermined choices. Israeli law prohibits influencing voters with promises of benefits and offering bribes, with penalties including a year in prison.

Furthermore, allegations have surfaced regarding the forced marriage of underage girls within the community, with reports of girls as young as 14 or 15 being married, allegedly in violation of the law. In recent years, 26 girls from the community have given birth at Poria Hospital. A Knesset emergency discussion last week revealed that the Ministry of Education transferred NIS 892,000 this year to the "Chassidei Breslov Yavniel" association, which is linked to the "Heichal HaKodesh" community.

Investigations suggest that the organized registration of community members into the Likud party may have involved illegal practices, including registering individuals without their knowledge and providing closed ballots. This practice aligns with broader trends of Haredi individuals joining the Likud, often motivated by practical benefits rather than ideology. The article cites the Israeli Democracy Institute's description of similar irregularities in primary elections, including paying membership fees for new members, registering people without their knowledge, and using forged registration forms.

Concerns have also been raised about systematic abuse and the organized marriage of minors within the community. Despite complaints filed with the police and awareness from welfare authorities, many investigation files have reportedly been closed without indictments. Survivors have described a reality of rape and forced marriage, with some reporting threats and ostracization from the community. The Ministry of Health stated it views child marriage and its consequences seriously but denied knowledge of doctors cooperating in concealing information about pregnant minors.

Law enforcement has recently increased its involvement, with over 30 suspects detained in raids on the community in June and September. However, the lack of clear evidence of marriage in some cases has hindered prosecution. Knesset discussions have highlighted the severity of the issue, with claims that up to 80% of female students in the community marry in the ninth grade. Activists are calling for child marriage to be classified as human trafficking, with harsher penalties.