Internal Tensions Delay Ultra-Orthodox Election Guidance
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
The publication of an election guidance document from the Council of Torah Sages of Agudat Yisrael has been postponed to Sunday due to internal disputes. Several Rebbes objected to language criticizing Shas voters and the Rebbe of Gur refused to sign over disagreements on the conscription law. A compromise will see the document published under the council's name only, without individual Rebbes' signatures.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox election guidance document delayed by internal disputes.
- Rebbes objected to harsh language targeting Shas party voters.
- The Rebbe of Gur refused to sign due to disagreements on the conscription law.
- A compromise will publish the document under the council's name only.
- The "Kol Kore" is now expected to be released early this week.
The official announcement of a traditional "Kol Kore" (call of the elders) from the Council of Torah Sages of Agudat Yisrael, intended to guide voters in the upcoming elections, has been postponed until Sunday. The delay stems from internal opposition by several Rebbes to harsh language targeting Shas party voters and disagreements over the signing process. Council Secretary Yaakov Weltzer instructed the newspapers "Hamodia" and "Hamevasser" to halt the document's printing and distribution at the last minute following requests from several Rebbes.
The primary reason for the delay is a clause criticized internally, which claims that those who do not vote for the party commit "desecration of God's name." Some Rebbes argued this was an extreme and offensive statement against the public that votes for the Shas party, who they believe are also fulfilling their religious duty according to their interpretation of the Torah.
Further tension arose with the Rebbe of Gur, who refused to sign the letter in its usual format. He cited the council's stance on the conscription law not being adopted during the previous term. After other Rebbes stated they would not allow their names to be used individually, a compromise was reached. The letter will now be published under the name of the body 'Council of Torah Sages' alone, without the individual Rebbes' names, similar to standard announcements from Degel HaTorah and Shas.
Despite last-minute attempts to reinstate personal signatures, the streamlined format is expected to be released early this week.
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