Incoming UTJ MK Compares Haredi Situation to Holocaust

Elyakim Stark, who is slated to become a Knesset Member for United Torah Judaism in the upcoming Knesset, has made a controversial comparison between the current situation of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public and the Holocaust. Stark, 34, who was born in Belgium, is set to replace Yisrael Eichler in the Knesset. In a private conversation, Stark stated, "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 a 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 reportedly close to the Prime Minister's office and is considered a liaison for understanding the mood within the Haredi public.

Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, reacted strongly to Stark's remarks, which circulated on social media. Lieberman called the comments "horrific" and noted that "without United Torah Judaism, Netanyahu has no government." He also added, "It's either us or the draft dodgers."

The party of Ofer Vinter 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 asserted that Stark's comments were not made in a vacuum but against the backdrop of the Prime Minister and senior government officials remaining silent in the face of "horrific 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 called on the Haredi public to disavow Stark's statements, urging the Prime Minister and ministers to condemn them immediately.