New Haredi Party Vows Right-Wing Alliance, Rejects Ultra-Orthodox Coalitions

Representatives from eight political parties convened at the Begin Center in Jerusalem for a unique election forum targeting the state-funded Haredi sector. This event provided the Haredi public an opportunity to hear from a diverse range of parties and make an informed decision, a stark contrast to the typical approach where electoral power is assumed rather than courted.

The forum, which focused on the future of state-funded Haredi education, family needs, and the representation of Haredi women in Knesset and decision-making positions, included Minister Shlomo Karai (Likud), MK Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionism), Emily Moatti (Democrats), Aliza Bloch (Blue and White), Yanki Moses (Yisrael Beiteinu), Inbar Harush-Giti (Yishar), Nachumi Yaffe (HaTzibur HaCharedi), and Yossi Goldberger (Otzma Yehudit). Journalists Efrat Shukron and Mendi Grossman moderated.

During a panel discussion, Nachumi Yaffe, number 3 on the HaTzibur HaCharedi list, asserted, "Only we will take care of ourselves. The Haredi community is ours... we are taking responsibility." Minister Karai questioned the party's motives, suggesting that voting for a small party could inadvertently aid the left and that the Likud offers a place for Haredi representation. Yaffe responded, "We will go with the right-wing bloc because our voters are right-wing... Apparently, we will not sit with the Haredi parties. We are here to be the voice of Haredim who are not willing to hold onto this lie... We carry the flag of true Agudat Yisrael."

Shas and United Torah Judaism were the only parties that declined to participate. Efrat Shukron, an organizer, criticized their absence, stating, "The Haredi parties operate with a policy of 'transport and not convince.' They count our votes but do not count us." She emphasized that the forum empowers the Haredi public to listen, question, and choose based on their needs.

Haredi activist Fainy Suknik highlighted the progress in women's representation, noting the establishment of a new Haredi party list with female candidates after public demand. MK Simcha Rothman advocated for parental freedom in education, proposing a voucher system. Inbar Harush-Giti countered that Rothman's view aligns with Haredi parties seeking a free market in education, creating a union between the neo-capitalist Religious Zionism and Haredi operatives.

The event concluded with the signing of the Haredi Women's Covenant, a document launched the previous week advocating for Haredi women's needs in areas such as education, health, employment, and representation.