Incoming Israeli Lawmaker Compares Haredi Situation to Holocaust

By אלי הירשמן

Translated & summarized from N12 by baba

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Elyakim Stark, designated to be an MK for United Torah Judaism, has caused controversy by comparing the current situation of the Haredi public to the Holocaust. Stark, 34, made the remarks in a private conversation, stating the situation is "close to what happened during the Holocaust." His comments drew immediate condemnation from opposition leaders Avigdor Lieberman and Yair Lapid, as well as a party associated with Ofer Winter. Critics also pointed to the silence of Prime Minister Netanyahu and senior government officials on the matter.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Designated MK Elyakim Stark compared the Haredi public's situation to the Holocaust.
Stark is set to replace Yisrael Eichler in the Knesset for United Torah Judaism.
Avigdor Lieberman called Stark's remarks "horrific" and contrasted "us" with "draft dodgers."
Yair Lapid stated a strong Jewish army prevents another Holocaust, criticizing draft evasion.
A party associated with Ofer Winter called Stark's statement a "disgrace" and criticized government silence.

Incoming Israeli Lawmaker Compares Haredi Situation to Holocaust — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Elyakim Stark, who is slated to become a Member of Knesset for United Torah Judaism in the upcoming legislative session, has drawn sharp criticism for 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 stated, "Our situation reminds me of our grandfathers' stories about the Holocaust. I find myself in a situation that is close to what happened during the Holocaust, and there is no other definition. I am not blaming anyone, but the correction will only come if we work 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 reportedly close to the Prime Minister's office and is considered a liaison for understanding the mood of the Haredi public.

The remarks sparked immediate backlash. Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, called the comments "horrific" and stated, "It's either us or the draft dodgers." Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded, "My father asked me to convey: I was in the Holocaust, I don't remember the IDF being there. There is something that ensures there will never be another Holocaust, a strong and proud Jewish army. The same army from which you encourage evasion."

The party associated with Ofer Winter also issued a strong condemnation, calling Stark's statement a "disgrace to every Israeli and every Jew." They added that the comments are not isolated but occur against the backdrop of the Prime Minister's and senior government officials' silence regarding "horrific calls against the IDF" at protests by the Jerusalem Faction, a hardline Haredi group. They urged the Haredi public to disavow Stark's remarks and called on the Prime Minister and ministers to condemn them immediately and with full force, criticizing their "sheep-like silence."