Ultra-Orthodox Leader Urges Vote Amid Low Turnout Concerns
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
United Torah Judaism Chairman Yaakov Asher made a dramatic appeal for ultra-Orthodox citizens to vote on election day, citing low turnout in his sector compared to Arab and left-wing voters. He warned of "danger to Judaism" and urged people to mobilize others to the polls before they closed at 10 PM. Similar calls were made by Rabbi Reuven Elbaz, and Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also urged voting, noting high turnout in Arab towns.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yaakov Asher urged ultra-Orthodox voters to the polls, warning of "danger to Judaism" if they don't vote.
- Asher cited high turnout in Arab and left-wing sectors as a reason for the emergency appeal.
- Rabbi Reuven Elbaz also issued an urgent call for increased ultra-Orthodox voter participation.
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir highlighted high turnout in Arab towns and urged general voting.
- The United Torah Judaism campaign fears negative consequences for religious institutions post-election.
Yaakov Asher, Chairman of the United Torah Judaism party, issued a dramatic emergency appeal to the ultra-Orthodox public on Tuesday, just three hours before polling stations closed for the 26th Knesset elections. Asher warned of a "dangerous situation," citing high voter turnout in Arab and left-wing sectors that he claimed was matching ultra-Orthodox concentrations. He urged those who had not yet voted to "take family and neighbors and rush to the ballot box," invoking the biblical commandment "You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor."
Asher had previously expressed concern that the enthusiasm on the ground was not translating into sufficient votes, noting that while people had "fire in their eyes" and understood the stakes, not enough were actually voting. This call comes amid reports of low turnout in the ultra-Orthodox sector contrasted with a significant increase in voting among Arab citizens and in left-wing strongholds.
His appeal was echoed by other prominent figures in the ultra-Orthodox and religious communities. Rabbi Reuven Elbaz, a member of the Council of Torah Sages, also made an urgent plea, warning of "danger to Judaism" due to low ultra-Orthodox turnout compared to the large numbers voting in left-wing and Arab communities.
Concerns were also voiced within the national camp. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir visited a beach in Bat Yam, using a megaphone to urge swimmers to vote, and highlighted what he described as "crazy" turnout in Rahat and Umm al-Fahm.
The United Torah Judaism campaign headquarters called on activists and community leaders to mobilize, go door-to-door, and heed Asher's call. The campaign fears a severe impact on Torah institutions and spiritual centers following the elections. Polling stations were set to close at 10:00 PM, with initial election polls expected to be released shortly thereafter, though these are not final results.
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