Meir Porush Declares United Torah Judaism a 'Technical Bloc' for Chabad Followers

Member of Knesset Meir Porush has made a surprising declaration to Chabad followers, stating that the United Torah Judaism party functions as a "technical bloc." This statement was made during the signing of a commitment to uphold three principles, aligning with the directives of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Porush pledged to "stand guard as before with all strength for the integrity of the Torah, the integrity of the people, and the integrity of the land, according to the holy opinion of the Rebbe of Lubavitch."

Porush committed to firmly oppose any move that harms these three areas. "Integrity of the Torah" includes protecting Halakha, especially Shabbat observance, and Torah study in yeshivas and kollels. "Integrity of the people" involves opposing changes to the "Who is a Jew" law, ensuring a Jew is defined by birth to a Jewish mother or proper conversion. "Integrity of the land" means opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state, even in an autonomous form, or even discussing it in negotiations. He also vowed to continue promoting the establishment of Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria and other parts of Israel, and to facilitate the travel of Tomchei Tmimim students for their "Shnat Hakvutza" year to "770."

Porush explained that the United Torah Judaism faction, in which he serves as a Knesset member, is composed of various parties operating as a technical bloc, which he believes gives him greater ability to act on his commitments. Prominent Chabad figures, including Rabbi Schneur Zalman Gofin and Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Walberg, have endorsed United Torah Judaism as the most ultra-Orthodox list that faithfully represents the Rebbe's requirements for upholding the three integrities. They emphasized that the Rebbe indicated the most ultra-Orthodox list, which is Agudat Yisrael, marked with a 'Gimel,' is the one to support.

Rabbi Tuvia Zilberstrom echoed this sentiment, stating that the natural choice for a connected Chabad follower is the most ultra-Orthodox party, Agudat Yisrael, marked 'Gimel,' which adheres to the three integrities.

In a separate interview, Porush addressed potential divisions within Agudat Yisrael and concerns about Gur Hasidim not voting en masse, stating he is not worried as Gur Hasidim follow the Admor's directives. He also dismissed the 'Hachareidi Hatzibur' party led by Moti Leitner, saying it is possible to ignore it and that he has not seen individuals identified with their party at Agudat Yisrael or Degel HaTorah events.