New Belz Candidate Eliyahu Stark Vows to Represent Working Haredim
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Eliyahu Stark, the new Belz candidate for Knesset, aims to represent the growing segment of working and young Haredim. In his first interview, Stark emphasized transparency and dialogue with the younger generation, stating that the "modern Haredi" community is no longer on the fringes. He also highlighted that securing the status of yeshiva students is a top priority for his party, Yahadut HaTorah, and revealed his close friendship with Moti Leitner, leader of a rival party targeting a similar demographic.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Eliyahu Stark, new Belz Knesset candidate, vows to represent working Haredim.
- Stark prioritizes transparency and dialogue with the younger Haredi generation.
- Securing yeshiva students' status is Yahadut HaTorah's top priority, Stark says.
- Stark is friends with Moti Leitner, leader of a party for working Haredim.
- The "modern Haredi" community is now a large and significant demographic, Stark states.
Eliyahu Stark, the new candidate for the Belz Hasidic community in the upcoming Knesset elections, has given his first comprehensive interview, outlining his worldview and plans. Stark, 35, who immigrated from Belgium at 16 to study at the Belz yeshiva, emphasized a smooth transition from outgoing Knesset Member Yisrael Eichler, describing a warm farewell. He stated that the Rebbe of Belz emphasized the need for a clean process in selecting a candidate with broad shoulders.
Stark aims to bring a "young spirit" to the Knesset, advocating for open dialogue, transparency, and a direct connection with the younger generation of the Haredi public. He believes this generation wants to learn and understand, rather than accept traditions unquestioningly. Stark acknowledged that he is young and may make mistakes, but is not ashamed to admit them and learn.
Regarding coalition negotiations and the draft law, Stark stressed that securing the status of yeshiva students is the top priority for Yahadut HaTorah, preceding the allocation of ministerial portfolios. He indicated that the party would not reject alternative political collaborations if they offered a solution to the draft issue, stating that a representative must be loyal to their constituents and not dismiss potential avenues.
Stark revealed a close friendship with Moti Leitner, leader of the Haredi Public party, which targets young and working Haredim. He stated that the "modern Haredi" segment, once marginalized, has grown significantly and now represents a substantial part of the community seeking to live according to their values. Stark firmly committed to representing this demographic in the Knesset, citing an instance where he mediated a dispute between Belz and Leitner's community over a synagogue allocation, prioritizing coexistence over conflict.
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