New Haredi Party Slams Established Parties, Claims Growing Support

Ten days before the elections, the new Haredi party, "Hachareidi Public," held its central election rally in Jerusalem, drawing thousands of attendees. Party chairman Moti Lightner delivered a speech criticizing the established Haredi parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, for their silence regarding violence against Haredi soldiers. Lightner declared that his party represents a significant segment of the Haredi community that is fed up with the "tyrannical, arrogant, and disconnected" leadership of the old guard, accusing them of ignoring attacks on rabbis and failing to address the needs of working Haredim.

Lightner asserted that "Hachareidi Public" is not just a party but an expression of tens of thousands of Haredim who want their children to receive a modern education, including math and English, and to live with dignity. He claimed that traditional polls miss his party because they do not include it as an option, but internal polls show "Hachareidi Public" garnering at least 11% support within the Haredi sector alone, challenging Shas's 15%. He projected that the party is nearing the electoral threshold and will surpass it significantly.

Lightner also addressed the Religious Zionist and traditional communities, noting that many have decided to vote for "Hachareidi Public," citing a shared common ground.

Lightner concluded by presenting his party as the only true alternative to the current Haredi leadership, advocating for the integration of Haredim into the IDF and the inclusion of secular studies in their education. He emphasized their role in breaking down old divisions, including those between learners and workers, Ashkenazim and Sephardim, and men and women, stating that they are actively changing reality.