Ultra-Orthodox MK Cancels One Interview, Keeps Another Amid Sabbath Controversy
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
United Torah Judaism Chairman Yaakov Asher canceled an interview on Channel 14 after facing backlash for agreeing to appear on Channel 12's "Meet the Press," which airs during the Sabbath. Despite protests from within the ultra-Orthodox community, including from senior party members and the Gur Hasidic dynasty, Asher intends to proceed with the Channel 12 interview, stating it will be filmed before the Sabbath. The controversy is exacerbated by Channel 12's recent critical coverage of the "Unit 100" soldiers affair.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yaakov Asher canceled a Channel 14 interview but will still appear on Channel 12's "Meet the Press."
- The Channel 12 interview is controversial because it airs partially on the Sabbath.
- Senior ultra-Orthodox figures and the Gur Hasidic dynasty have condemned Asher's Sabbath interview.
- Critics cite Channel 12's recent coverage of the "Unit 100" soldiers affair as another reason for opposition.
- Asher's office claims the Channel 12 interview will be filmed before the Sabbath and aired afterward.
Yaakov Asher, Chairman of the United Torah Judaism party, has canceled an interview scheduled for Saturday night on Channel 14's "The Patriots" program. The cancellation follows strong criticism from within the ultra-Orthodox community regarding his planned appearance on Channel 12's "Meet the Press," which airs partially on the Sabbath.
Despite the backlash and demands to cancel his participation in "Meet the Press," Asher has opted to proceed with the Channel 12 interview. His office stated that the interview would be filmed on Friday and broadcast after the Sabbath concludes, but this explanation has not appeased critics.
A senior figure within United Torah Judaism described Asher's participation in the Sabbath-airing program as a "disgrace and desecration of the holy Sabbath" and urged its immediate cancellation. The "Hachareidi" party also launched a sharp attack against Asher, with voices of protest heard from the Gur Hasidic dynasty warning of a potential decline in party support.
The controversy is further compounded by Channel 12's recent coverage of the "Unit 100" soldiers affair, which has faced severe criticism for allegedly harming the soldiers' reputations. Asher's decision to continue with the Channel 12 interview, while canceling the one on Channel 14, has intensified criticism from both within and outside his party.
