Ultra-Orthodox Yeshiva Deans Oppose Protest Votes Ahead of Election
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Heads of ultra-Orthodox secondary yeshivas have issued a letter opposing protest votes in the upcoming election, a first for the group. The move comes as the "Haredi Public" party, led by Motty Leitner, struggles with low poll numbers and faces criticism. The deans urged adherence to rabbinical guidance and avoidance of disruptive protests. Prime Minister Netanyahu is reportedly pressuring Leitner to withdraw to consolidate right-wing support.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox yeshiva deans issued a letter opposing protest votes in the upcoming election.
- The "Haredi Public" party, led by Motty Leitner, has very low poll numbers.
- The deans emphasized acting according to rabbinical guidance and avoiding disruptive protests.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu is pressuring Leitner to withdraw from the election race.
- Leitner stated he would not withdraw without commitments on promised reforms.
In an unprecedented move, the heads of ultra-Orthodox secondary yeshivas issued a letter on Friday ahead of the upcoming election, marking the first time they have publicly stated a position on elections after many years of refraining from endorsing any party. This surprising development comes amid the candidacy of the "Haredi Public" party, led by Motty Leitner, which has garnered only 0.3% support in polls, far below the electoral threshold. The party has faced criticism for becoming a "protest vote" with no chance of entering the Knesset.
The yeshiva deans' letter avoids endorsing any specific party but strongly states that protest actions harming the broader ultra-Orthodox public are not in line with their principles. "We have never acted out of protest or defiance," the deans wrote, emphasizing that engagement in public affairs should be conducted responsibly and constructively, with the aim of preserving and strengthening Torah study, and in accordance with the path laid out by their revered rabbis.
The letter stresses the importance of acting according to the directives of senior rabbinical authorities. "Therefore, when deciding in the public arena before us, we must act according to the instructions of our rabbis, may they live and be well, and in the spirit of the path of our rabbis, may they rest in peace, and refrain from participating in protests or actions that are not in line with this path," the letter states.
Among the signatories are Rabbi Baruch Tzeit of "Ma'arava," Rabbi Avraham Greenbaum of "Nehora," Rabbi Koldetzky of "Hayishuv," Rabbi Michael Shoham of "Naharada," Rabbi Brandwein of "Chadvat HaTorah," and Rabbi Braun of "Meitivta" in Beit Shemesh.
This publication occurs as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is exerting significant pressure on Leitner to withdraw from the race, aiming to prevent a loss of votes for the right-wing bloc. Leitner, however, has indicated he will not consider withdrawing unless the ultra-Orthodox parties commit to supporting the reforms Netanyahu has promised to advance for the Haredi public.
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