Haredi Party Leader Claims Intimidation, Vows Electoral Surprise
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Moti Lightner, chairman of the Haredi Public Party, announced his intention to run in the elections despite facing pressure and intimidation tactics from the right-wing bloc. He claims his party has significant, albeit often secret, support from the Haredi public and rabbis, and predicts an electoral surprise. Lightner also criticized the stance against Haredi conscription into the IDF.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Moti Lightner vows to run in elections despite pressure and intimidation tactics.
- Lightner claims his party has significant, often secret, support from Haredi public and rabbis.
- He predicts his party will surprise voters at the ballot box.
- Lightner criticizes the current Haredi leadership for failure and corruption.
- He advocates for Haredi conscription into the IDF, opposing a rival party's stance.
Moti Lightner, chairman of the Haredi Public Party, stated his determination to run in the upcoming elections despite significant pressure from the right-wing bloc. Lightner described instances of intimidation and fear tactics directed at his party's activists and noted that rabbinical support, while present, is being offered discreetly.
Lightner reported that his party is experiencing substantial public support, with many within the Haredi community expressing frustration with the current leadership. He detailed the pressure tactics, which include threats against teachers and activists, and a campaign of fear aimed at those who publicly support his party. "We see people saying, 'I am forced to express support for other parties, but know this: behind the ballot box we will know exactly how to vote.' When there is institutionalized bullying, you leave no choice," he said.
Despite polls indicating his party is far from crossing the electoral threshold, Lightner remains optimistic, believing his supporters will surprise at the ballot box. He identified his target audience as all members of the Haredi society who are tired of poverty and corruption, not just the "modern Haredim." He also mentioned that many rabbis are supporting the party secretly, advising their communities to vote for Lightner but to refrain from public declarations to avoid facing bullying and pressure.
Addressing the issue of Haredi conscription into the IDF, Lightner criticized the chairman of the United Torah Judaism party, who had argued against drafting Haredim. Lightner asserted that Haredim desire and need a strong IDF, and that beyond those studying Torah, others should take responsibility, ending what he called the "show of empty talk and desecration of God's name" represented by the previous leadership.
