Neturei Karta Activist Allegedly Behind New Ultra-Orthodox Party

A political and legal maneuver, allegedly led by Amram Teitelbaum, an activist associated with Neturei Karta, is reportedly behind the new ultra-Orthodox party "Tzeva Shachor" (Black Color). The party aims to present an alternative to existing Haredi parties regarding the conscription issue, with Teitelbaum operating behind the scenes due to his affiliation with a group that opposes participation in elections. This information emerges from two recordings obtained by B'Chadrei Chareidim, featuring the party's CEO, Yaakov Chaim Miller, and its chairman, Eliyahu Boymerind.

In the recordings, Miller describes how party members allegedly met with Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, a prominent leader in the yeshiva world, at the last minute to present their position on the conscription law. Miller claims they successfully prevented the approval of the current draft law by presenting alternative legal solutions to Rabbi Hirsch, who then reportedly trusted their ideas. He suggests that the party's intervention was crucial in halting the law's progress.

Boymerind, in the second recording, confirms the meeting with Rabbi Hirsch, explicitly mentioning Teitelbaum as his partner. He explains their goal was to demonstrate a legal framework for resolving the conscription issue and to initiate a public process through the party. Boymerind also references the Satmar Rebbe's view that legislation should be pursued even within the Knesset, which is not accepted by all Haredi factions. When questioned about the apparent contradiction with the Hasidic opposition to participating in elections, Boymerind directs the inquiry to Teitelbaum.

Teitelbaum is described as heading a group of activists linked to Neturei Karta, involved in legal and public issues affecting the Haredi community. These activists are connected to organizations that file petitions with the High Court of Justice on conscription matters, assist protestors, and advocate for the rights of Haredi demonstrators. Despite lacking formal legal education, Teitelbaum is considered the strategist behind the legal approaches of these organizations.

Boymerind, in contrast, is a public-facing figure from Bnei Brak, affiliated with Lithuanian Haredi circles. He has worked with Teitelbaum for about a decade, particularly on conscription issues. This division of roles, with Boymerind as the public chairman and Teitelbaum operating from the background, aligns with their respective affiliations and Teitelbaum's position as a senior figure in Neturei Karta, which opposes the existence of the State of Israel.