Israeli Comedian's Plea, Traffic Accident Tragedy, and Election Polls Featured
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Moshe Mans, host of 'Kikar HaShabbat,' shared a deeply emotional account of a bus driver involved in a fatal accident with a child in Modi'in Illit. The program also featured a warning to the elderly about fall risks during air raid sirens, a change of heart from comedian Avi Lokov regarding his political endorsements, and election poll data for the Haredi sector.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A bus driver is devastated after accidentally killing a child who darted into a crosswalk in Modi'in Illit.
- Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef offered comfort and guidance to the grieving bus driver.
- Elderly individuals face a 1,000 times greater risk of fatal falls during sirens than missile strikes.
- Comedian Avi Lokov reversed his criticism of Haredi leadership and now urges votes for United Torah Judaism.
- United Torah Judaism is projected to receive 53% of the Haredi vote in upcoming elections.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is favored to win if he avoids losses, according to election polls.
A devastating traffic accident in Modi'in Illit, where a young boy on a scooter was fatally struck by a bus, has deeply affected the community. The bus driver, described as a gentle and respected individual, is reportedly shattered by the incident. Moshe Mans, host of the 'Kikar HaShabbat' program 'Davar Rishon,' shared a poignant monologue detailing his conversation with the distraught driver, who expressed immense guilt and despair, stating, "I have no day and no night, I can't lift my children, I have no life." The driver pleaded with Mans to urge parents to teach their children caution even at crosswalks, emphasizing that drivers of large vehicles may not always see a child darting out suddenly.
In a rare gesture of support, Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, sent a letter to the driver, acknowledging the tragic accident that occurred "unintentionally" and advising him against succumbing to despair. The Rabbi encouraged the driver to focus on Torah study for the boy's soul and to continue raising his own children, suggesting that dwelling on the tragedy would be more harmful than beneficial.
During the program, Mans also issued a stark warning to the elderly regarding safety during air raid sirens. Citing alarming statistics, he stated that the risk of an elderly person dying from a fall while seeking shelter during a siren is "1,000 times higher" than the risk of being hit by a missile. He recounted emergency medical response calls during wartime, where elderly individuals suffered severe hip fractures from falls while rushing to safe rooms, injuries from which many do not recover.
Comedian Avi Lokov, known for his sharp criticism of the Haredi establishment, discussed his recent shift in stance, now advocating for voting for the United Torah Judaism party. Lokov admitted to a profound self-examination, acknowledging past mistakes in his criticism of Torah leaders. He clarified that his critique of societal issues remains, but he now believes influencing change should not involve disrespecting spiritual leaders. Lokov vehemently denied receiving payment for his political endorsement, sharing a personal moment of reflection at his father's grave where he realized his responsibility to avoid leading others astray.
Finally, pollster Dudi Dror from the Ascaria Institute presented final election projections for the Haredi sector. He noted a significant decrease in undecided voters, a surge in support for United Torah Judaism to 53%, stable backing for Shas, and a notable performance by a new party led by Leiner, garnering an estimated 5-6% of the Haredi vote. Dror anticipates a high Haredi voter turnout exceeding 80% and suggested that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to retain his position if he "doesn't lose."