Ultra-Orthodox Party Candidate Asher Peretz Discusses Military Service, Politics, and Education
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Asher Peretz, a leading candidate for the new ultra-Orthodox party "The Haredi Public," discussed his transition from behind-the-scenes work to public life. He highlighted the challenges of Haredi integration into the IDF and criticized current opposition to it. Peretz also spoke about establishing educational institutions in Petah Tikva and his party's goal to gain significant political representation, aiming for six Knesset seats and advocating for broader educational opportunities for all Israelis.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Asher Peretz, a candidate for the new Haredi party, aims to represent the entire ultra-Orthodox sector.
- Peretz criticized the current extremism and opposition to Haredi integration into the IDF.
- He founded educational institutions in Petah Tikva, facing and overcoming significant opposition.
- The new party hopes to win six Knesset seats, exceeding current poll predictions.
- Peretz aspires to be Minister of Education to implement nationwide educational reforms.
- He believes in broader educational access for all Israelis, including those in the periphery.
Asher Peretz, the second-highest-ranking candidate for the new ultra-Orthodox party 'The Haredi Public,' has stepped out from behind the scenes to discuss his life and political vision in a rare interview. Peretz, who previously preferred to operate away from the spotlight, explained that the decision to enter public life was made after consulting with his rabbi, David Leibl, and his family. He acknowledged the challenges of balancing family life with his new political role, especially with his eldest son recently drafted into the IDF.
Peretz's background includes a journey from yeshiva studies to journalism and parliamentary advising. A pivotal moment in his career was establishing the first Haredi integration department in the IDF's Central Command at age 21. He recalled that while Rabbi Steinman supported the initiative to help at-risk youth, current opposition to Haredi enlistment has intensified, leading to what he calls a "two-sided extremism" and "absurd" arrests of yeshiva students.
He detailed his experience in Petah Tikva, where he and a group of yeshiva graduates founded the "Beit Aba" community and educational institutions. Peretz claimed they faced intense opposition from established Haredi factions, including attempts to bribe him and discriminatory practices against their children in schools. He stated they ultimately won legal battles against this discrimination, highlighting the success of their state-Haredi educational model, which has seen students excel in national competitions.
Discussing the new party's electoral prospects, Peretz expressed confidence in exceeding initial poll predictions, aiming for six mandates. He criticized the established Haredi parties for their perceived narrow representation and for blocking initiatives like the Yuli Edelstein law, which he believes could have improved Haredi integration. Peretz stated his party aims to represent the entire Haredi sector, advocating for equal educational opportunities and access to higher education and high-tech careers for all, not just the ultra-Orthodox.
Peretz also expressed his ambition to become Minister of Education, aiming to replicate the successes of the Petah Tikva model nationwide, benefiting children from the periphery. He indicated openness to joining a broad unity government, excluding extremist elements. Addressing threats against him, Peretz stated he remains unafraid and motivated by the challenges, inviting his detractors for a conversation.
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