Ultra-Orthodox Politician Sparks Outrage With Holocaust Comparison
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Elyakim Stark, a designated Knesset Member for United Torah Judaism, ignited widespread condemnation by comparing the plight of yeshiva students to the Holocaust and calling it "worthwhile to be a terrorist than a Haredi." Opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Avigdor Lieberman strongly denounced his remarks, with Lapid emphasizing the importance of the IDF and Lieberman campaigning against yeshiva students. The 'Am Israel' party also condemned Stark's comments, calling them a disgrace and urging the Prime Minister to condemn them.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Designated MK Elyakim Stark compared yeshiva students' situation to the Holocaust and stated it's better to be a terrorist than Haredi.
- Opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Avigdor Lieberman strongly condemned Stark's remarks.
- Stark attributed travel restrictions on yeshiva students to the High Court of Justice.
- The 'Am Israel' party called Stark's comments a disgrace and urged government condemnation.
- Lieberman used the controversy to campaign against yeshiva students, calling them 'evaders'.
Elyakim Stark, a designated Knesset Member for the United Torah Judaism party, has drawn severe criticism for comparing the situation of yeshiva students to the Holocaust during a campaign event in Beit Shemesh. Stark also attacked Justice Noam Sohlberg, accusing him of fostering a new phenomenon called "Sohlbergism" which he described as "hitting the Haredim to be more of a man." Stark argued that it is "more worthwhile in the State of Israel to be a terrorist and kill entire families than to be a Haredi."
Stark's remarks were made while discussing restrictions on yeshiva students' ability to travel abroad, which he claims have turned them into "criminals in the eyes of the authorities." He explained that these limitations make it difficult for students to attend matchmaking meetings abroad, forcing potential brides from outside Israel to come to the country. He attributed these restrictions to the High Court of Justice.
Opposition leaders strongly condemned Stark's statements. Opposition Chairman Yair Lapid stated that his father, a Holocaust survivor, recalled no IDF presence during the Holocaust and emphasized the importance of a strong Jewish army to prevent future atrocities. Lapid also accused Stark of encouraging "draft evasion," a derogatory term for yeshiva students dedicated to Torah study.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, also denounced the remarks, quoting Stark's comment about preferring to be a terrorist and linking it to the Holocaust comparison. Lieberman used the occasion to campaign against yeshiva students, calling them "evaders" and urging voters to choose "us or the evaders" on October 27.
The 'Am Israel' party issued a statement calling Stark's comments a "disgrace to every Israeli and every Jew," especially for someone aspiring to serve in the Knesset. The party connected these remarks to their claims of silence from the Prime Minister and government officials regarding anti-IDF calls at protests by the Jerusalem Faction. They urged the Haredi public to disavow the statements and called on the Prime Minister and his ministers to condemn them, arguing that such comments illustrate why United Torah Judaism Chairman Isaac Goldknopf should not be the "61st finger" in the next coalition.
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