New Haredi Party Urged to Withdraw to Avoid Splitting Votes
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
A new Haredi party, "Chareidi Public," formed to represent working Haredim, is urged to withdraw from the upcoming elections. Despite initial success in shifting the public discourse and prompting dialogue from established parties, the new party is polling below the electoral threshold. Analysts fear this could split Haredi votes, weakening their political influence and potentially leading to a government detrimental to Haredi interests. Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly in talks to convince the party's leader, Motty Leitner, to withdraw.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- New "Chareidi Public" party faces pressure to withdraw from elections due to low poll numbers.
- The party aims to represent working Haredim and address their unmet needs.
- Failure to pass the electoral threshold could split Haredi votes and weaken political influence.
- Established Haredi parties have begun addressing issues raised by the new party.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly negotiating with the party's leader, Motty Leitner.
A new political party, "Chareidi Public," has emerged in the current election cycle, born from the genuine distress of many working Haredim who feel inadequately represented by existing Haredi political parties. These individuals seek better employment opportunities, educational institutions aligned with their lifestyle, and the ability to earn a dignified living while maintaining their religious identity. The party's founders, including Motty Leitner, initially sought representation within established parties like United Torah Judaism and Shas but were unsuccessful. Their subsequent independent run has coincided with a shift in discourse within the Haredi political establishment, with leaders like Yaakov Asher engaging with working Haredim and discussing tailored educational and employment initiatives.
Despite this apparent progress, the "Chareidi Public" party is polling between 0.5% and 0.8%, falling significantly short of the electoral threshold. Analysts warn that a failure to cross this threshold would result in thousands of votes being wasted, potentially weakening the influence of established Haredi parties in forming the next government. This could have serious repercussions, particularly concerning the sensitive issue of the status of yeshiva students, a crisis that has plagued the Haredi community and contributed to leadership changes within Degel HaTorah.
The article argues that a political split could undermine the very goals the "Chareidi Public" party aims to achieve. There are concerns within the right-wing bloc that the loss of votes to a party that doesn't pass the threshold could pave the way for a left-leaning government, potentially impacting Haredi educational institutions, budgets, and the state's Jewish character. The Prime Minister and other political figures are reportedly in contact with Leitner, attempting to persuade him to withdraw his party.
Leitner, however, has stated his intention to run until the end. The author questions the ultimate achievement of the party's struggle, emphasizing that the original demand was to influence and change from within. With a new dialogue opened and the issues now on the agenda of existing Haredi parties, the article posits that the founders of "Chareidi Public" must now demonstrate public responsibility by considering the potential negative consequences of their independent run, including the electoral outcome.
The piece concludes by likening the situation to a ship carrying the entire Haredi community, including working Haredim, Kollel members, and yeshiva students. A hole in the ship, regardless of intent, could endanger everyone aboard. The successful shift in public discourse is acknowledged, but the challenge now lies in translating this into tangible political power and practical solutions.
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