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Ongoing Story· Day 9

Top Rabbis Convene Emergency Meeting to Urge Haredi Vote

3 developments

Behadrei HaredimPolitics

Belz Rebbe Recalls Past Elections Amidst Urgent Call to Action

Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba

ReligiousCharged tone

Hebrew · 1 newsroom

An emergency meeting was held at the Belz Rebbe's residence to rally support for the 'Yahadut HaTorah' election list. Speakers emphasized the critical importance of every vote for the future of Torah study. An attendant recalled the previous Belz Rebbe's deep personal commitment to voting in 1951, even when ill and alone. MK Yaakov Asher also addressed the gathering, stressing the need for maximum Haredi voter turnout.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

  • Belz Rebbe hosted an emergency meeting to mobilize support for the 'Yahadut HaTorah' election list.
  • Speakers stressed the critical importance of every vote for the future of Torah study.
  • An attendant recalled the previous Belz Rebbe's dedication to voting in 1951, despite poor health.
  • The 1951 election saw Agudat Yisrael secure a crucial mandate by just 13 votes.
  • MK Yaakov Asher urged maximum Haredi voter turnout for divine assistance.

An emergency gathering was held at the residence of the Belz Rebbe, with representatives from all Haredi factions, community activists, and educational institution leaders in attendance. The meeting focused on the upcoming elections and the critical importance of supporting the 'Yahadut HaTorah' list, emphasizing the fate of Torah study and Jewish continuity.

Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Israel Meir Druck urged immediate action, stating that in times of potential desecration of God's name, one must act without delay. Rabbi Shmuel Yaakov Landau of Beitar Illit stressed the necessity of human effort, warning against complacency and reliance solely on divine providence.

Elderly attendant Rabbi Mordechai Weber shared a personal recollection from the 1951 elections, when the previous Belz Rebbe, Rabbi Aaron of Belz, demonstrated immense dedication. Despite his frail health, the Rebbe instructed his attendants and aides to travel to Tel Aviv to vote, while he remained alone in Jerusalem. Weber recounted the Rebbe's fervent words about the importance of every vote and his personal commitment, stating, "You see that it is difficult for me to be without a gabbai, but such a mitzvah I cannot prevent."

The Rebbe's actions were met with some opposition, but he stood firm, asserting his conviction in his decision. Weber highlighted that in that election, the third mandate for Agudat Yisrael was secured by a narrow margin of 13 votes, underscoring the significance of each individual vote. He urged attendees to remember the past dedication and the current imperative to support the Yahadut HaTorah list, especially in light of perceived threats to Torah study.

Member of Knesset Yaakov Asher, head of the Yahadut HaTorah list, addressed the gathering, recalling a statement from the Head of Yahadut HaTorah list that maximizing votes for the Haredi party is essential for divine assistance. The event concluded with attendees receiving the Belz Rebbe's blessing for success in the upcoming electoral campaign.

Behadrei HaredimHaredi · Jerusalem

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