Haredi Party Chairman Explodes on Air Over Voter Concerns

During a live interview on the Kikar HaShabbat studio, Yaakov Asher, chairman of the United Torah Judaism party, expressed intense frustration regarding his party's relationship with the working and modern Haredi public. Asher dismissed the threat posed by Moti Leitner's 'Haredi Public' party, stating it would not harm United Torah Judaism but rather the voters who support it, as their votes would be wasted.

When questioned about the perception among working Haredim that their needs are only addressed during election periods and that their institutions are undermined throughout the year, Asher was challenged to promise continued support after the elections. In response, Asher became visibly angry, questioning the interviewer's state and demanding to know who had approached them with complaints. He then clarified his party's stance, stating that he values both Torah scholars and working individuals, and that his commitment to serving both predates election cycles.

To substantiate his claims, Asher cited numerous examples of his past work, including the establishment of educational frameworks like the Boston Cheder in Bnei Brak and support for schools such as Horav and Uziel, emphasizing his long-standing connections with the communities he has assisted. He also mentioned specific cases like Dudi Zaltz in Beitar Illit.

Regarding the state-run Haredi education system (Mamad), Asher asserted that it was not a political decision but a directive from senior rabbis, including Rabbi Steinman, who had warned of its potential dangers. However, he stressed the importance of providing alternatives and developing new frameworks to accommodate the growing and diversifying Haredi population. Asher blamed the Ministry of Education for obstructing the development of these alternatives, accusing them of seeking to maintain control.