Hard-Line Haredi Group Urges Boycott of Israeli Elections
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The hard-line Haredi group Edah HaChareidis in Jerusalem has called for a boycott of the upcoming Knesset elections, reaffirming its historical opposition to participating in Israeli governance. The leadership cited religious law and past rulings by prominent rabbis to declare voting forbidden, warning followers against aiding "sinners."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Edah HaChareidis leadership called for a boycott of the upcoming Knesset elections.
- The group cited religious law and historical rulings against participating in Israeli governance.
- Rabbis warned followers that voting constitutes a "grave sin of desecrating God's name."
- The declaration also referenced a historical prohibition against women voting.
- Participants are warned they will be held responsible for the consequences of voting.
The leadership of the hard-line Haredi community, specifically the Badatz "Edah HaChareidis" in Jerusalem, has issued a formal declaration urging its followers to abstain from voting in the upcoming Knesset elections. This stance reiterates the group's long-standing opposition to participating in the governing institutions of the State of Israel.
The rabbis' ruling, based on their interpretation of Halakha (Jewish law), states that participation in the elections is forbidden. They cite previous rulings by prominent rabbis from past generations who also prohibited involvement in such elections, asserting that they are acting as emissaries for these revered figures.
The declaration employs strong language, criticizing the very existence of the elections and the parliamentary activities of Haredi representatives who engage with the Knesset. The leadership contends that participation offers no benefit and instead constitutes a "grave sin of desecrating God's name" by aligning with those who do not follow the path of Torah.
Furthermore, the document highlights that Knesset members are required to swear allegiance to the state's laws, which the signatories claim contradict Torah law. The declaration also references a historical prohibition against women voting, citing prominent rabbis from the past, including Rabbi Meir Simcha and Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinski.
The Badatz rabbis issued a direct warning to potential voters, stating that anyone participating in the elections is aiding "sinners" and will be held responsible for the consequences. They implore their followers not to associate with "wickedness, even for the sake of Torah."
