Ultra-Orthodox Candidate Sparks Outrage Comparing Community's Plight to Holocaust
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Eliakim Stark, an ultra-Orthodox candidate for the United Torah Judaism party, has caused a scandal by comparing his community's situation to the Holocaust. He cited difficulties faced by Haredi men avoiding military service, including travel restrictions. Stark also claimed that terrorists receive better social protections than draft-dodging Haredim. The remarks were made at a pre-election rally, where another party figure voiced fears of disenfranchisement.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox candidate Eliakim Stark compared his community's plight to the Holocaust.
- Stark cited travel restrictions for Haredi men avoiding military draft as a key issue.
- He claimed terrorists receive better social protections than ultra-Orthodox draft evaders.
- The remarks were made at a pre-election rally in Beit Shemesh.
- An outgoing MK expressed fears of ultra-Orthodox voters being disenfranchised.
Eliakim Stark, a candidate for the ultra-Orthodox party United Torah Judaism, has ignited a political firestorm in Israel by comparing the situation of his community to the Holocaust. Speaking at a pre-election rally in Beit Shemesh, Stark focused on the challenges faced by young Haredi men who have received military draft notices. He stated that the risk of detention at Ben Gurion Airport prevents these individuals from leaving the country, even for essential purposes like meeting potential brides abroad through traditional matchmaking.
Stark, who is running sixth on the United Torah Judaism list, acknowledged that he had previously avoided such comparisons. However, he asserted that the current circumstances strongly echo the stories told by his grandparents about the Holocaust. The 34-year-old Belgian-born candidate, associated with the Belz Hasidic dynasty, also criticized Noam Solberg, the Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Court and head of the Central Election Commission.
Furthermore, Stark controversially claimed that a convicted terrorist in Israel today enjoys greater protection regarding social benefits and family housing than an ultra-Orthodox individual evading military service. United Torah Judaism traditionally aims to secure at least eight parliamentary seats. At the same rally, outgoing Knesset member Israel Eichler expressed concerns that ultra-Orthodox citizens might soon be barred from voting.
Mentioned
