United Torah Judaism Official Compares Haredi Situation to Holocaust
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Eliyahu Stark, a designated Knesset Member for United Torah Judaism, controversially compared the Haredi sector's situation in Israel to the Holocaust. The UTJ faction faces internal divisions, including the Gur Hasidic community's delayed voting directive, which could impact its electoral strength. The internal strife follows a split within Agudat Yisrael, leading to disputes over Knesset roles.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Designated MK Eliyahu Stark compared the Haredi sector's situation to the Holocaust.
- The United Torah Judaism faction is experiencing significant internal tensions and divisions.
- The Gur Hasidic community has not yet issued a directive to vote for UTJ.
- A split within Agudat Yisrael preceded the formation of a new party within UTJ.
- Disputes have arisen over the distribution of Knesset roles following the factional split.
- The Gur Hasidic community's 30,000 votes could significantly influence UTJ's electoral success.
Eliyahu Stark, a designated Knesset Member representing the Belz Hasidic community within the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) faction, issued a sharp condemnation of the Israeli government on Thursday. Stark drew a parallel between the situation of Jews during the Holocaust and the current circumstances of the Haredi sector in Israel, stating, "There is no other definition. Our situation is close to what it was in the Holocaust. It reminds me of stories from our grandfathers and grandmothers."
The UTJ faction is experiencing significant internal tensions alongside external criticism. A deep rift exists within the party, with the Gur Hasidic community having yet to issue an directive from its Rebbe for members to vote for UTJ. On the ground, there are minimal signs of election preparations, such as the establishment of campaign headquarters, and the newspaper "HaModia" has barely referenced the election campaign.
These developments occur against the backdrop of a split within Agudat Yisrael shortly before the list submission deadline. Meir Porush and Eliyahu Stark broke away from the existing framework to form a new party within the UTJ list. This move has sparked a dispute over the allocation of roles in the upcoming Knesset.
The electoral influence of the Gur Hasidic community is estimated at around 30,000 votes. Consequently, the decision on whether to instruct the Hasidim to vote for UTJ could impact the faction's strength. There are concerns within the Netanyahu bloc that a lack of clear guidance may diminish the support the list receives from this community.