Incoming UTJ MK Compares Haredi Situation to Holocaust
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Elyakim Stark, set to join the Knesset for United Torah Judaism, has drawn sharp criticism for comparing the current situation of the Haredi public to the Holocaust. Stark, 34, made the remarks in a private conversation, stating, "I find myself in a situation that is close to the Holocaust." Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, called the statement "horror," while another party labeled it a "disgrace." Stark is known for his connections within the Haredi community and to the Prime Minister's office.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Elyakim Stark, designated MK for United Torah Judaism, compared the Haredi situation to the Holocaust.
- Stark stated, "I find myself in a situation that is close to the Holocaust."
- Avigdor Lieberman called Stark's remarks "horror" and highlighted UTJ's importance to Netanyahu's government.
- Stark, 34, is set to replace Yisrael Eichler in the Knesset.
- Another party called Stark's statement a "disgrace to every Israeli and every Jew."
Elyakim Stark, who is slated to become a Knesset Member for United Torah Judaism in the upcoming session, has made a controversial statement comparing the current situation of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public to the Holocaust. Stark, 34, who was born in Belgium, is set to replace Yisrael Eichler in the Knesset. In a private conversation, Stark reportedly said, "I find myself in a situation that is close to the Holocaust. Today's stories remind me of our grandfathers' stories. We will bring about correction together."
Stark, who was educated in Belz Hasidic institutions in Belgium and Israel, is known for his behind-the-scenes work connecting the leadership of the Belz Hasidic community, rabbis, politicians, and government officials. He is also reportedly close to the Prime Minister's office and is a point of contact for the Prime Minister to understand the sentiment within the Haredi public.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, reacted strongly to Stark's remarks, which circulated on social media. "Horror," Lieberman stated, adding, "Without United Torah Judaism, Netanyahu has no government." He also referenced Stark's comments in Yiddish, emphasizing, "It's either us or the draft dodgers."
The party of Ofer Winter also issued a sharp response, calling Stark's statement a "disgrace to every Israeli and every Jew, let alone someone who is destined to find himself in the Knesset." The party suggested Stark's comments were not made in a vacuum but in light of the Prime Minister and senior government officials' silence regarding "shocking calls against the IDF" at protests by the Jerusalem Faction. They further argued that this is another reason why Yitzhak Goldknopf should not be the '61st finger' in the next coalition and urged the Haredi public to disavow Stark's statements, demanding the Prime Minister and ministers condemn them immediately.
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