Religious Right-Wing Parties Court Haredi Voters Amid Disillusionment
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Right-wing religious parties, including Otzma Yehudit and Noam L'Yisrael, are actively campaigning for Haredi votes, citing disillusionment with traditional Haredi parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism. Candidates like Yossi Goldberger and Avi Maoz are highlighting issues such as military conscription and perceived political stagnation. These parties aim to capture votes from Haredi individuals who feel unrepresented by their established political leadership, promising to address their concerns more effectively.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Right-wing religious parties are targeting disillusioned Haredi voters, a demographic showing demographic growth but stagnant political representation.
- Otzma Yehudit has placed Haredi candidate Yossi Goldberger on its Knesset list to attract these voters.
- Goldberger suggested drafting Haredi individuals not actively studying Torah, criticizing past inaction.
- Avi Maoz of Noam L'Yisrael claimed to have supported the Haredi community during perceived discrimination.
- Ofer Winter also appealed to Haredi voters, addressing conscription and political deal-making.
- Haredi candidates like Shimon Toubul oppose sanctions on yeshiva students who dedicate themselves to Torah study.
Several right-wing religious parties are actively seeking to attract Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) voters who are reportedly disillusioned with the established Haredi political parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism. Despite the Haredi population's significant demographic growth, the political power of their traditional parties has remained stagnant for years. This has created an opening for parties like Otzma Yehudit, Noam L'Yisrael, and Ofer Winter's movement, which are attempting to capture these disaffected votes.
Otzma Yehudit, in particular, has seen considerable success in attracting disappointed Haredi voters. The party has placed Yossi Goldberger, a Haredi candidate, on its Knesset list. Goldberger stated that recent polls indicate many Haredi individuals are considering not voting, and his party is appealing to them to support Otzma Yehudit, which he claims represented the Haredi sector as much as the general public in the last term. Regarding the contentious issue of military conscription for yeshiva students, Goldberger suggested that those not actively studying should be drafted, criticizing the previous lack of action as "cheap politics on the backs of the Haredi public."
Avi Maoz, chairman of Noam L'Yisrael, asserted that he stood by the Haredi community during what he described as four years of "discrimination and persecution" against them. Shimon Toubul, a candidate on his list, expressed opposition to the conscription law, arguing it should not impose sanctions on diligent yeshiva students, whom he believes should be supported in their Torah studies.
Ofer Winter, also vying for Haredi support, addressed the conscription issue by calling arrests ineffective in the current political climate. He characterized struggles over religion and state as "Jewish struggles" essential for observant and traditional communities, while also advocating for minimal legislation on religious matters. Winter appealed to the Haredi public to recognize the "deal-making" that he believes leaves them behind, promising his movement would look after everyone's interests.
Mentioned
