Religious Zionist Rabbis Back Smotrich Amid Funding Concerns
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Rabbis and heads of educational institutions, many of whom lead government-funded organizations, are publicly supporting the Religious Zionist Party and its leader, Bezalel Smotrich. A petition has been filed alleging the misuse of public funds for political campaigning by these institutions. Significant government funding, totaling hundreds of millions of shekels, flows to these organizations, raising concerns about undue influence. The Ministry of Education has stated it will investigate any violations of its regulations.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Rabbis and heads of government-funded educational institutions are publicly endorsing the Religious Zionist Party.
- A petition alleges these institutions misuse public funds for political campaigning.
- Bezalel Smotrich is explicitly mentioned as the recipient of this support.
- The Ministry of Education will investigate alleged violations of political activity regulations.
The Religious Zionist Party's election campaign is featuring public endorsements from rabbis and heads of educational institutions, many of whom lead government-funded organizations, including Hesder Yeshivas. The party's director-general, Yehuda Vald, instructed activists to "paint the whole country" in support of the party. A petition has been filed against some of these yeshivas for allegedly using public funds and resources, such as phone banks and transportation for party events, to influence voting for the party.
Itamar Kremer, director of the State Education Watch, stated that this constitutes "improper influence" and a "use of public resources and public money, allegedly government money, to influence actual voting for one party." Elchanan Wolf, secretary-general of the Ariel youth movement, was recorded saying that Bezalel Smotrich "saved us" by allocating NIS 50 million to prevent youth movements from collapsing. Wolf later refused to provide clear answers, stating he supports the Religious Zionist Party but denied using movement funds for the party.
Support is explicitly for the party, not just for a right-wing government.
Rabbi Ronen Tamir, head of Binate Midrasha, indicated he is not voting for the Noam party, despite ideological support, because the current "entire discussion is between the Religious Zionism and Noam." Government funding for these educational organizations is substantial.
Kremer explained that rabbis and educational leaders "know that if they are okay with Smotrich, they will receive the money." He stressed that this situation is unacceptable and undermines trust between educators, parents, and the government. The Religious Zionist Party did not respond to requests for comment, and many rabbis and directors declined interviews, claiming their activities were done in their "free time." The Ministry of Education stated that its regulations regarding political activity in educational institutions are clear and will be examined and addressed if violations are found.
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