Religious Right-Wing Parties Court Ultra-Orthodox Voters Amid Disillusionment
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Right-wing religious parties are actively campaigning for ultra-Orthodox votes, capitalizing on disillusionment with established Haredi parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism. Otzma Yehudit has placed an ultra-Orthodox candidate, Yossi Goldberg, on its list and is urging non-voting Haredi citizens to support them. Candidates from parties like Noam L'Yisrael and figures like Ofer Winter are also appealing to the Haredi public, addressing issues such as military conscription and perceived political stagnation within the Haredi leadership.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Right-wing parties are targeting disillusioned ultra-Orthodox voters dissatisfied with Shas and United Torah Judaism.
- Otzma Yehudit has placed ultra-Orthodox candidate Yossi Goldberg on its Knesset list.
- Goldberg stated that Otzma Yehudit represents the Haredi sector and supports drafting non-studying Haredi men.
- Avi Maoz of Noam L'Yisrael claims to have supported the Haredi community during difficult times.
- Shimon Toubul opposes the current conscription law, arguing it disrespects Torah scholars.
- Ofer Winter is also seeking Haredi votes, criticizing the established Haredi leadership's "political maneuvering."
Several right-wing parties aligned with the religious Zionist sector are actively seeking to attract ultra-Orthodox voters, who have expressed growing dissatisfaction with the established Haredi parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism. This phenomenon arises despite the significant demographic growth of the ultra-Orthodox community, whose political representation has remained stagnant for years. These parties aim to capture votes from disillusioned Haredi citizens who might otherwise abstain from voting or switch allegiances.
Otzma Yehudit, in particular, has seen considerable success in appealing to these voters. The party has placed Yossi Goldberg, an ultra-Orthodox candidate, on its Knesset list. Goldberg stated that recent polls indicate many Haredi individuals are considering not voting, and Otzma Yehudit is reaching out to them, asserting that the party represented the Haredi sector as much as the general public in the last Knesset term. Regarding military conscription, Goldberg suggested that while yeshiva students should continue their studies, those not engaged in learning should be drafted, criticizing the previous lack of action on this issue as "cheap politics."
Avi Maoz, chairman of Noam L'Yisrael, declared his support for the Haredi community during what he described as four years of "discrimination and persecution" against them. Shimon Toubul, a candidate on the Noam list, opposes the current conscription law, arguing it unfairly penalizes yeshiva students and disrespects Torah scholars. He believes those dedicated to studying Torah should be fully supported.
Avi Maoz also commented on the conscription issue, acknowledging its effectiveness in principle but deeming it politically unfeasible in the current climate. He characterized the debates on religion and state not as religious but as "Jewish struggles" essential for observant and traditional communities. Maoz also advocated for minimal legislation on religious matters, citing the high observance of circumcision as an example of a practice not mandated by law.
Ofer Winter, another figure courting Haredi votes, addressed the perceived "political maneuvering" within the established Haredi leadership, which he claimed leaves their constituents behind. He promised to look after everyone's interests. Winter also spoke about the challenges of religion and state, framing them as essential "Jewish struggles" and not solely religious ones, while also suggesting a need for minimal legislation in religious affairs.
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