Knesset Hopeful Sparks Outrage With Holocaust Comparison
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Designated Knesset Member Eliyahu Stark of United Torah Judaism has sparked political controversy by comparing the situation of Haredi Jews regarding military conscription to the Holocaust. His remarks drew sharp criticism from politicians like Avigdor Lieberman and the "Am Israel" Party, who called for condemnation. Stark, who is close to the Prime Minister's office, made the comparison during a discussion about the yeshiva student draft crisis. The "Am Israel" Party also renewed its opposition to Yitzhak Goldknopf potentially joining the coalition.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Designated Knesset Member Eliyahu Stark compared the Haredi conscription crisis to the Holocaust.
- Avigdor Lieberman called the situation a choice between "us or the draft dodgers."
- The "Am Israel" Party labeled Stark's statement a "disgrace" and demanded condemnation.
- Stark is reportedly close to the Prime Minister's office and advises on Haredi public sentiment.
- The "Am Israel" Party renewed opposition to Yitzhak Goldknopf joining the coalition.
A political storm erupted following remarks by Eliyahu Stark, a new addition to the United Torah Judaism party and slated to join its Knesset list. Speaking on Thursday evening, Stark addressed the crisis surrounding the conscription of yeshiva students, comparing the current situation to stories he heard from his grandparents about the Holocaust.
"I find that our situation is close to what happened in the Holocaust, and there is no other definition," Stark stated, explaining that while he had previously avoided such comparisons, his feelings about the current circumstances led him to speak out. He clarified that he was not blaming anyone, adding, "The correction will only come if we work together."
The comments drew sharp reactions from across the political spectrum. Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, attacked the statement, framing the issue as a conflict between those who serve in the military and those who do not, declaring, "It's either us or the draft dodgers."
The "Am Israel" Party, led by Ofer Winter, also issued a harsh response, calling Stark's statement a "disgrace to every Israeli and every Jew." The party emphasized the severity of the remark given Stark's expected role in the Knesset, linking it to public discourse on the conscription of the Haredi community and protests against enforcement of the draft law. They criticized the Prime Minister and senior government officials for their silence on extreme statements made during protests, demanding a clear response in this case.
The "Am Israel" Party called on the Haredi public to disavow Stark's words and urged the Prime Minister and ministers to condemn them immediately. They also renewed their opposition to United Torah Judaism Chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf potentially serving as the "61st finger" in the next coalition.
Stark, originally from Belgium, was educated in Belz Hasidic institutions in Israel and abroad. He is known for his behind-the-scenes activities and connections within the Hasidic leadership, among rabbis, politicians, and government officials. Reports indicate he is also close to the Prime Minister's office, serving as a point of consultation regarding the mood of the Haredi public.
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