Top Rabbi Urges Haredi Voters to Back United Torah Judaism
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch called on Haredi voters in Beitar Illit to support the United Torah Judaism party, warning that protest votes could harm educational institutions and the community. He emphasized the spiritual dangers of not demonstrating strength and the potential withdrawal of divine aid amid global hostility. Knesset Member Yaakov Asher and acting Mayor David Zaltz also spoke, reinforcing the call to vote and mobilize support for the party.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch urged Haredi voters to support United Torah Judaism in Beitar Illit.
- He warned that protest votes could harm Torah institutions and the Haredi community.
- The rabbi cited an unprecedented "war" by secular individuals against Haredi education.
- He stressed the spiritual danger of not demonstrating communal strength to God.
- Knesset Member Yaakov Asher and acting Mayor David Zaltz also addressed the rally.
Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, a leading Rosh Yeshiva, urged supporters of the United Torah Judaism party to vote for the list and encourage others to do the same at an election rally in Beitar Illit. He warned that abstaining from voting or casting protest votes for other parties could strengthen those working against Torah institutions and education, emphasizing that the consequences would affect all Haredi families, not just those whose heads are full-time scholars.
The event, held at the Freiman Auditorium, drew a large crowd, with many attendees unable to enter the packed hall. Rabbi Hirsch addressed feelings of discontent within parts of the public, cautioning against letting anger lead to a weakening of the Haredi community's influence. He stated that secular individuals are waging an unprecedented war against them, creating difficulties for independent educational institutions, yeshivas, and seminaries, and imposing new regulations that hinder their operation.
He clarified that the potential harm extends beyond full-time scholars to anyone identifying with the Haredi community, impacting their lives and families. Rabbi Hirsch also spoke of the severe spiritual implications of not winning, calling it a "great desecration of God's name" that could lead to divine assistance being withdrawn, especially during a time of global animosity towards Israel. He stressed that this situation could be life-threatening without divine help.
Rabbi Hirsch concluded by personally appealing to everyone to vote for the 'Gimmel' ballot and to work to bring more voters, asserting that demonstrating their desire for God would bring divine assistance, enabling them to continue strengthening Torah and Jewish observance. Knesset Member Yaakov Asher also spoke, highlighting the large turnout and sharing an anecdote about a supporter from the United States who found the internal debate over voting perplexing, given the sacrifices made by Jews abroad.
David Zaltz, acting mayor and a candidate for the list, declared that the struggle is against Torah itself and urged attendees to influence undecided friends, relatives, and neighbors to support their cause, framing it as a fight for their community.
