Belz Representative Apologizes for Holocaust Comparison, Praises Eisenkot
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Elyakim Stark, a candidate for United Torah Judaism representing the Belz Hasidic dynasty, apologized for comparing the situation of Haredim to the Holocaust. Stark stated his remarks were sarcastic and ironic, admitting he was wrong. He also expressed openness to working with politician Gadi Eisenkot, whom he described as "someone you can work with."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Elyakim Stark apologized for comparing the Haredi situation to the Holocaust, calling it ironic.
- Stark admitted he was wrong and not ashamed to say so.
- He praised politician Gadi Eisenkot, calling him "someone you can work with."
- Stark noted that Eisenkot had given his party a "blank check" on conscription.
- The controversial remarks were made at a campaign event in Beit Shemesh.
Elyakim Stark, the new candidate for United Torah Judaism representing the Belz Hasidic dynasty, apologized for a controversial statement comparing the current situation of Haredim to the Holocaust. In an interview with i24NEWS, Stark clarified that his remarks, made at a campaign event in Beit Shemesh, were intended sarcastically and ironically. "Anyone who saw the full context understood that I said it with sarcasm and irony, but I have learned, I am not ashamed to say I was wrong," he stated.
Stark's original comments, made during a discussion about the conscription law and exit bans for yeshiva students, drew significant backlash. He had said, "When you want to get married from abroad, you have to come here because you can't. I took it upon myself not to talk about stories of the Holocaust in the first years, but I find myself that our situation is close to what it was in the Holocaust and there is no other definition. Our situation reminds me of our grandparents' stories about the Holocaust."
Surprisingly, Stark did not rule out potential cooperation with Gadi Eisenkot, a politician. "Eisenkot has many merits. He is someone you can work with, he knows how to bring solutions," Stark said. He added that his party had received a "blank check" from Eisenkot on the issue of conscription.
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