Poll Shows Dramatic Shifts in Ultra-Orthodox Politics
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
A Kikar Hashabbat poll released 13 days before elections shows Shas leading with 40% and Yahadut HaTorah with 20% among ultra-Orthodox voters. The analysis highlighted a disconnect with established parties and the rise of newer, more accessible movements. The program also discussed the anti-vaccination movement, the Ministry of Education's perceived lack of counter-messaging, and an interview with director Yehuda Grobais on slander in the digital age.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shas leads Kikar Hashabbat poll with 40%, Yahadut HaTorah second with 20%.
- Newer ultra-Orthodox parties gain traction by connecting with voters directly.
- Discussion contrasts 'Tzeva Shachor' anti-conscription stance with 'Ultra-Orthodox Public' support.
- Hosts criticize Ministry of Education's lack of online content countering anti-vaccine sentiment.
- Director Yehuda Grobais discusses slander in the digital age and his new film.
- Poll results show Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu failing to pass the threshold.
A special poll conducted by Kikar Hashabbat, just 13 days before elections, reveals significant shifts in the ultra-Orthodox political landscape. The poll, which surveyed 49 voters and used a 3.2% threshold, showed Shas leading with 40% of the vote, followed by Yahadut HaTorah at 20%. The broader ultra-Orthodox public garnered 13%, Religious Zionism 13%, and Otzma Yehudit 10%. Notably, the Likud and Yisrael Beiteinu parties failed to pass the electoral threshold in this specific poll.
The program dedicated a significant portion to analyzing these surprising results and the current state of ultra-Orthodox politics. Hosts Moshe Mans and Yisrael Meir discussed the perceived "mistake" of established parties in failing to connect with voters at eye level, leading to a sense of detachment. In contrast, newer parties are seen as more accessible, with votes for them sometimes viewed as a "protest vote" by citizens seeking an authentic voice.
A sharp discussion also addressed the distinction between "Tzeva Shachor" (Black Color), which advocates for a more aggressive stance against conscription, and the "Ultra-Orthodox Public" party, which supports enlistment and integration for those not fully engaged in Torah study. The program also touched upon the difference between "Tzeva Shachor" and the "Ultra-Orthodox Public" party, with the former advocating for a tougher stance against conscription and the latter encouraging it for those not exclusively studying Torah.
In remembrance of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's yahrzeit, the hosts shared personal anecdotes, including a childhood memory from Moshe Mans about receiving affectionate slaps from the late rabbi. The program also featured a humorous segment about a viral video demonstrating a quick weight-loss illusion.
Separately, the hosts addressed the growing anti-vaccination movement and what they termed the Ministry of Education's "failure" in providing adequate online educational content to counter misinformation. They criticized the selective use of statistics by unvaccinated individuals and highlighted the lack of comprehensive pro-vaccination information, especially in light of a reported infant hospitalization due to meningitis.
Finally, the broadcast included an interview with director Yehuda Grobais, a pioneer of ultra-Orthodox cinema. Grobais discussed his new film, "Life and Death," which explores the dangers of slander in the digital age, comparing the irreversible damage of viral content to feathers scattered by the wind. He also explained his recent shift to creating films for a secular audience as a means to reach broader audiences and express his artistic freedom.
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