New Haredi Representative Compares Plight to Holocaust

Elyakim Stark, the new representative for the Belz Hasidic dynasty on the Agudat Yisrael list, stated at an election rally in Beit Shemesh that the situation for Haredim is "close to what it was during the Holocaust." Stark, who replaced Yisrael Eichler, explained that the issue preventing Haredi men from leaving the country due to conscription orders hinders their ability to travel abroad for matchmaking purposes. Consequently, he noted, families of brides must come to Israel. "When you want to get engaged outside the country, you have to come here because you can't (leave the country)," Stark said, adding, "I have no other definition." He further criticized Deputy President of the Supreme Court, Justice Noam Sohlberg, describing a phenomenon he termed "Sohlbergism" which he said suggests "hit the Haredim and you'll be more of a man." Stark asserted that in Israel, "it is more worthwhile to be a terrorist and kill entire families than to be Haredi."

Eichler, who was also present at the rally, commented that he estimates this may be the last time Haredim are allowed to vote in elections. Stark, 34, is known in political circles but has largely operated behind the scenes. Born in Belgium, he was educated in Belz institutions and later led a group of students at the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem. He was called to public service by the Rebbe of Belz and his son, Rabbi Aharon Mordechai Rokeach, to establish a committee focused on the political and public needs of the Belz community. Since then, Stark has worked alongside Eichler and has been repeatedly tasked with handling public and political matters on behalf of the Rebbe's court.