Ultra-Orthodox Parties Launch Election Campaigns
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
The ultra-Orthodox party Yahadut HaTorah has launched its election campaign with rallies in Bnei Brak and Beitar Illit, less than four weeks before the vote. Leaders like Yaakov Asher and Moshe Gafni stressed the critical importance of voter turnout and warned that the election is a fight for the very existence of the ultra-Orthodox way of life. The party aims to increase its representation from eight to ten mandates, with activists tasked with mobilizing voters, especially young men. Discussions also touched on coalition negotiations and key policy issues such as conscription and education.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yahadut HaTorah launched its election campaign with rallies in Bnei Brak and Beitar Illit, with elections less than four weeks away.
- Party leaders emphasized the critical importance of voter turnout, calling the election a fight for the ultra-Orthodox way of life.
- The party aims to increase its representation from eight to ten mandates in the upcoming elections.
- Activists were urged to mobilize voters, particularly young men, to ensure maximum turnout.
- Discussions included coalition strategies, the conscription law, and the protection of Torah study.
- A shortfall of only 800 votes in the previous election led to the loss of a mandate, highlighting the impact of every vote.
The ultra-Orthodox political party Yahadut HaTorah has officially begun its campaign for the upcoming elections, scheduled in less than four weeks. The party held a rally for activists in Bnei Brak, attended by prominent figures including Rabbi Y. Silman, Chairman Yaakov Asher, movement Chairman Moshe Gafni, and Knesset members Pindrus, Rosenthal, and Weissfisch. Deputy Mayor of Bnei Brak Menachem Shapira and Deputy Mayor Gudi Silman were also present.
During the rally, Yaakov Asher emphasized the importance of voting, stating, "There is no such thing as Torah students not going to vote. We grew up with this in our DNA." He criticized those who he claimed have recently adopted different methods for political engagement, questioning their commitment. Asher also highlighted the potential impact of a single additional mandate on resolving issues.
MK Pindrus asserted that the Degel HaTorah movement has achieved significant successes over 38 years, contributing to the growth and success of the ultra-Orthodox public. However, he warned of a counter-reaction, describing the current situation as a "frontal and open war" not just over budgets or positions, but over the very existence of the ultra-Orthodox public, its education, and its yeshiva system in Israel.
Rabbi Shlomo Koldetzky, founder of the Beit HaShem community, expressed confidence in the party's ability to grow from its current eight mandates to ten, urging activists to work diligently. Rabbi Yishai Karlitz stressed the role of synagogue sextons in ensuring voter turnout, particularly among young men.
In parallel, leaders of Agudat Yisrael, including MK Meir Porush and designated MK Elikim Stern, held a preparatory meeting in Beitar Illit. They discussed the dependence of local development on strong national representation, emphasizing that without it, government ministries could hinder the progress of ultra-Orthodox cities. Stern praised Beitar Illit as a model of unity and achievement for Haredi leadership.
Mayor Meir Rubinstein of Beitar Illit urged residents to vote, comparing the situation to a dispute with a neighbor where one doesn't abandon their home. He stated that the failure to overcome recent legal decrees should not lead to greater harm to Torah study, calling the upcoming election "destiny" and urging a vote for 'Gimel' as per rabbinical instruction.
Further discussions were held in Bnei Brak with representatives of Degel HaTorah from the yeshiva world. MK Yaakov Asher revealed that negotiations with Agudat Yisrael were tough and that Degel HaTorah's original preference was to run independently. Moshe Gafni cautioned against personal considerations, urging adherence to the will of God and collective responsibility, stating, "We don't want to hear you!" Aba Turetsky praised Gafni's words as embodying the spirit of Rabbi Schach's vision 40 years prior.
Designated MK Moshe Rosenthal emphasized the importance of being the decisive factor in forming the government, bringing clear demands regarding conscription, education, and other key issues. He recalled that the party lost a mandate in the previous election due to a shortfall of only 800 votes, underscoring the impact of every single vote and urging yeshiva students to mobilize their families and communities.
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