Ultra-Orthodox Parties Mobilize Grassroots Ahead of Election Day
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism are ramping up their election campaigns with large rallies and online efforts two days before election day. Shas held a major gathering of its Council of Torah Sages and yeshiva deans in Jerusalem, while United Torah Judaism hosted a massive rally in Bnei Brak. Both parties are using social media and events with rabbis to encourage voter turnout. The campaigns include slogans and videos, though one Shas video was disqualified for alleged propaganda.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shas and United Torah Judaism are holding major rallies and online campaigns two days before election day.
- Shas convened its Council of Torah Sages and 200 yeshiva deans in Jerusalem to mobilize voters.
- United Torah Judaism held a massive rally in Bnei Brak with tens of thousands of attendees.
- Shas's campaign includes videos, though one was disqualified by the Central Elections Committee.
- Both parties are combining social media with rabbinical-led events to boost turnout.
Two days before election day, ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism are intensifying their campaigns with large rallies and online efforts to encourage voter turnout. Shas convened a major gathering of its Council of Torah Sages and approximately 200 yeshiva deans in Jerusalem on Sunday, aiming to mobilize the public to vote for the party. Simultaneously, United Torah Judaism held a massive rally in Bnei Brak, drawing tens of thousands.
Both parties are combining social media campaigns with events featuring rabbis. Shas has utilized video advertisements, including one depicting a Torah scholar and an IDF soldier at the same Shabbat table, symbolizing mutual respect. MK Yosef Tayeb explained the message as valuing both yeshiva students and soldiers. However, another Shas video featuring a Spanish-speaking soldier in uniform was disqualified by the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Judge Noam Solberg, for allegedly using IDF uniforms for propaganda.
Shas's outdoor campaign features the slogan "Don't let them win. It's a matter of life and death!" with billboards displayed in several cities. The gathering of the Council of Torah Sages follows a campaign launch event where Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef urged supporters not to stay home, emphasizing party unity. United Torah Judaism, led by MK Yaakov Asher, launched its campaign with a catchy song about yeshiva students' conscription, promoting unity and obedience to rabbinical leadership, and calling for votes.
The large rally led by Rabbi Dov Landau is a traditional element of the party's election strategy. This intensified mobilization comes shortly after Shas and United Torah Judaism signed a surplus vote agreement.
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