Haredi Public Party Chairman Estimates 12% Support in Ultra-Orthodox Sector
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Moti Litner, chairman of the "Haredi Public" party, estimates 12% support from the ultra-Orthodox community in upcoming elections. He criticized the sector's balance of rights and duties and called for political representation promoting national responsibility. Litner also addressed military conscription, proposing that those not studying Torah should enlist. Dr. Chaim Zimerman noted that post-October 7th events challenged perceptions of Haredi responsibility and called for re-evaluation.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Moti Litner estimates 12% of the Haredi community may support his "Haredi Public" party.
- Litner criticized the Haredi sector's balance of rights and obligations towards the state.
- He called for new Haredi political representation focused on national responsibility and burden-sharing.
- Litner proposed that Haredim not studying Torah should be drafted into the military.
- Dr. Chaim Zimerman stated that post-October 7th events shook Israeli perceptions of Haredi responsibility.
- Zimerman cautioned against expecting immediate changes in Haredi lifestyle and enlistment.
Moti Litner, chairman of the newly formed "Haredi Public" party, estimated that approximately 12% of the ultra-Orthodox community, translating to 60,000 to 70,000 potential voters, might support his party in the upcoming elections. Speaking at the Tzomet and Makor Rishon conference in Jerusalem, Litner criticized the current balance of rights and obligations within the Haredi sector, stating that while the community is highly collective, it sometimes "flattens the individual" and demands rights without fulfilling duties. He emphasized the need for a Haredi political representation that actively promotes national responsibility and burden-sharing with the state, arguing that existing political representation acts contrary to these values.
Litner also addressed the sensitive issue of military conscription, asserting that in light of current events, it is impossible to claim inability to serve. He advocated for immediate responsibility and suggested that strengthening Hesder Yeshivas and establishing a Haredi party with rabbis who speak about taking responsibility would be beneficial. He outlined four principles for conscription: continued Torah study for those meeting legal requirements, conscription for those not studying, preferential conditions for those serving, and a change in Haredi education regarding the state.
Dr. Chaim Zimerman, also participating in the panel, reflected on post-October 7th expectations, noting that the Israeli public anticipated Haredi enlistment and Arab opposition, neither of which fully materialized, thus shaking fundamental perceptions. However, he cautioned against expecting immediate lifestyle changes and enlistment, deeming it unrealistic. Zimerman called for a re-evaluation of responsibility within the Haredi community, suggesting that a perceived exemption from physical responsibility due to spiritual duties warrants new thinking, especially after the last three years. He also commented on political representation, stating that a "sophisticated mechanism bypasses democracy" and that the Knesset represents "Haredi-ness" rather than Haredim themselves.
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