Haredi Women Push for Political Representation Amid Shifting Community Norms

Two women have been placed in the top five positions on the new Haredi party "The Haredi Public," marking a significant step after over a decade of activism by women seeking greater political representation. Activists describe facing ostracism and economic repercussions for their efforts, but believe the Haredi community is ready for change, with one stating, "The dictatorship is over."

Over ten years ago, dozens of Haredi women gathered in secret to discuss how to ensure their needs were addressed in the Knesset and committee rooms, challenging traditional norms that limit women's public voices. Many discovered they were already writing opinion pieces in the Haredi press under pseudonyms. Recently, a simulated primary election saw over 26,000 Haredi men and women select ten potential female representatives, while two real candidates, Dr. Nachumi Yaffe and Ziva Glantz, were selected for the top spots in the new "Haredi Public" party.

Esti Shushan, an activist who co-founded the "Nevcharot" (Electable) organization in 2015, explained that the conditions for change have been maturing for years. She previously led campaigns calling on Haredi women to boycott parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism for their exclusion of women. While these efforts were met with criticism in the mainstream Haredi press, they have gained traction. Shushan believes a new Haredi leadership is needed to normalize Haredi enlistment in the IDF, Haredi employment, and the inclusion of core curriculum studies for children, advocating for the integration of the Haredi society as a national project.

Feini Suknik, another activist, highlighted that Haredi women are breadwinners, educators, and heads of households, yet are denied authority. She argues that Haredi women, who navigate both the community and the workplace, are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the Haredi and general Israeli societies, especially during a period of strained relations. Suknik noted that while secular and liberal parties express support for Haredi women's representation, they have not included any Haredi women on their own lists.

Activists like Suknik and Shushan have faced significant backlash, including boycotts and public criticism, but remain determined. They point to a growing internal shift within the Haredi community, partly influenced by the ongoing war, leading many to question their dissatisfaction with existing leadership. The inclusion of women in the "Haredi Public" party is seen as a major achievement, regardless of whether the party passes the electoral threshold, signaling that future Haredi parties will likely need to include women. Efrat Shokron added that over 25,000 Haredi families are enrolling their children in state-religious education programs that include core subjects, despite rabbinical opposition, indicating a desire for broader educational opportunities and a greater role in Israeli society, potentially representing a significant voting bloc.