Ultra-Orthodox Party Fields Female Candidates, Challenges Status Quo
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
The "Hacharedi Public" party has nominated Dr. Nechumi Yaffe and Asher Freddy for the upcoming elections, aiming to reform the ultra-Orthodox community from within. Yaffe, a university researcher, and Freddy, an entrepreneur, are challenging traditional norms by including women in politics and advocating for the integration of non-studying Haredim into national service. The party identifies as right-wing and has faced both positive and negative reactions from the community and academia, with Yaffe reporting the revocation of research grants due to her political alignment.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The "Hacharedi Public" party has nominated Dr. Nechumi Yaffe and Asher Freddy to challenge the Haredi establishment.
- Dr. Nechumi Yaffe, a university researcher, is the first woman to run on a Haredi party list.
- Asher Freddy advocates for integrating non-studying Haredim into national service, citing past rabbinic support.
- Yaffe reported losing research funding due to her support for Prime Minister Netanyahu and the right-wing bloc.
- The party aims to address societal divisions and the contentious issue of Haredi conscription.
- The candidates stated their party is right-wing and would not join governments with certain political figures.
The "Hacharedi Public" party is presenting a novel approach in the upcoming elections by including women in prominent positions on its list. Dr. Nechumi Yaffe, a senior researcher at Tel Aviv University and former National Security Council advisor, and Asher Freddy, a 40-year-old entrepreneur and lawyer who established the Haredi integration desk in the IDF, are positioned second and third respectively. Their aim is to challenge the established Haredi mainstream and enact change from within.
Yaffe, who is affiliated with the Slonim Hasidic dynasty, acknowledges the unusual nature of women in politics within the Haredi community, noting discomfort in some traditional settings but emphasizing the necessity for women to address issues affecting them, such as those handled by committees on women's health. She stated that her entry into politics was a response to a call for change, driven by her research and public service experience, and a belief that the Haredi society needs to adapt.
Freddy highlighted the importance of integrating those who do not study Torah into national service, citing past rabbinic figures like Rabbi Steinman, Rabbi Schach, Rabbi Hirsch, and Rabbi Lando who supported conscription laws. He criticized current Haredi politicians for neglecting non-studying members of the community and vowed to advance legislation for their integration into the IDF.
Yaffe also spoke about the public discourse and divisions in Israel, particularly concerning the draft issue, and her party's intention to mend these rifts. She mentioned facing backlash in academia for her support of the right-wing bloc, with two research grants being revoked due to her stated intention to align with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Despite familial and academic opposition, Yaffe expressed a commitment to her public role.
Both candidates clarified their party's right-wing stance, stating they would not join a government with figures like Liberman or Yair Golan, who they believe actively harm the Haredi public. They also expressed frustration with the current Haredi political establishment, accusing them of lacking political acumen and being obstructed by extremist elements.
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