United Torah Judaism Launches Election Campaign, Vows to Protect Haredi Way of Life

The United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party has officially begun its election campaign, with less than four weeks until the upcoming elections. The party held a rally for activists in Bnei Brak, attended by prominent leaders including Ra'avad Rabbi Y. Silman, UTJ Chairman Yaakov Asher, and movement chairman Moshe Gafni, along with several Knesset members and local officials. During the rally, speakers emphasized the importance of voting and the critical nature of the upcoming election for the survival of the Haredi public, its education system, and yeshiva world.

Yaakov Asher stressed that the public must vote, stating, "There is no such thing as the Torah public not going to vote. We grew up with this in our DNA." He criticized those who he implied do not vote, questioning their commitment and the potential impact of a single additional mandate on resolving issues. Moshe Gafni described the current struggle as a "frontal and open war for the very existence of the Haredi public, Haredi education, and the yeshiva world in Israel," noting that past attempts to conceal intentions have been abandoned.

In Beitar Illit, MK Meir Porush and designated MK Elikim Stark met with local leadership, including Mayor Meir Rubinstein, to discuss election preparations. Porush highlighted that local development in Haredi cities depends on strong national representation, emphasizing the need for Knesset members to secure government support for essential services and infrastructure. Stark praised Beitar Illit as a model city led by Haredim, showcasing unity and effective service delivery, and urged the replication of this model nationwide.

Mayor Rubinstein addressed the importance of voting, particularly against the backdrop of legal challenges faced by Torah scholars. He likened the situation to a dispute with a neighbor, arguing that abandoning one's home is not the solution. He urged voters to cast their ballots for "Gimel" (the party's ballot symbol) as instructed by their rabbis to protect the Torah world.

Further discussions were held in Bnei Brak with representatives from the Degel HaTorah movement within the yeshiva world. MK Yaakov Asher revealed that negotiations with Agudat Yisrael were difficult, and his original preference was for Degel HaTorah to run independently. Moshe Gafni addressed concerns about individual decision-making, stating that those who wish to be part of the movement must adhere to its directives, emphasizing that there is no room for independent judgment when it comes to matters of faith and community.

Designated MK Moshe Rosenthal stated that if the party becomes the decisive factor in forming a government, they will present clear demands regarding conscription, education, and other crucial 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 actively encourage their families and communities to vote.