Rabbis Urge Orthodox Vote for United Torah Judaism, Warn of Leftist Rule
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Rabbis from Lithuanian and Hasidic communities are urging votes for United Torah Judaism ahead of elections, warning against leftist parties. Former chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef also called for support for Shas, citing fears of civil marriage and Saturday public transport. A new party, "HaTzibbur HaCharedi," advocates for ultra-Orthodox military service and labor integration, claiming significant support and criticizing established parties. The party chairman stated they are nearing the electoral threshold and that votes for UTJ and Shas support stagnation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbis urged followers to vote for United Torah Judaism, warning against other parties.
- Former chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef called for support for Shas, fearing leftist government policies.
- New party "HaTzibbur HaCharedi" claims growing support for ultra-Orthodox military and labor integration.
- "HaTzibbur HaCharedi" chairman Moti Leitner stated the party is nearing the electoral threshold.
- Rabbis warned that voting for parties other than UTJ or Shas is a "wasted vote."
With eight days remaining until the elections, rabbis from the Lithuanian and Hasidic communities have called on their followers to vote for the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party, warning that casting a ballot for other parties is akin to "throwing your vote in the trash." This appeal comes as the new party "HaTzibbur HaCharedi," which advocates for the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men into the army and greater labor market integration, claims it will overcome the electoral threshold.
On October 19, the Degel HaTorah party held a convention of rabbis, including leaders of yeshivas and prominent figures of the Lithuanian branch of Judaism. The gathering was led by Rabbi Lando, the spiritual leader of the Lithuanian community. He emphasized the communal obligation to make maximum effort in the elections and cautioned against voting for parties that do not recognize the value of Torah as paramount, stating that "any vote for such parties will distance the next generation from the heritage of their ancestors."
The Belz Hasidic court, the second-largest in Israel, also announced its support for UTJ. An appeal from the Admor of the Gur Hasidim, the head of the largest Hasidic court, is also expected, signaling a potential shift from their previous non-involvement in election campaigns.
Former chief rabbi of Israel, Yitzhak Yosef, urged voters to support the Shas party, expressing fears of a leftist government. He warned that a leftist victory would lead to civil marriages and the operation of public transportation on Saturdays, accusing politicians like Yair Golan, Avigdor Lieberman, Matan Kahana, and Elazar Stern of hating the ultra-Orthodox and seeking to dismantle religious values.
Meanwhile, "HaTzibbur HaCharedi" reported growing support, holding a conference in Jerusalem attended by over 1,000 activists. Party chairman Moti Leitner presented the platform, which supports ultra-Orthodox participation in the workforce and military service for those not solely dedicated to Torah study. Leitner claimed that 33% of the younger generation supports their views and that recent polls show them with at least 11% of the ultra-Orthodox vote, potentially translating to two Knesset seats, in addition to support from religious and traditional communities.
Leitner criticized the tactic of warning about "votes going into the trash," asserting that his party is nearing the electoral threshold. He argued that voting for UTJ and Shas supports stagnation and corrupt officials like Aryeh Deri, Goldknopf, and Pindrus, harming the community's future.
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