Ultra-Orthodox Newspapers Grapple With Election Results
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Ultra-Orthodox newspapers are struggling to interpret recent election results, with some seeking optimistic angles while others acknowledge significant failures. Dr. Ido Harari noted that "Yated Ne'eman" called its 7 mandates a "spiritual victory," while "Pe'eles" labeled the outcome a "stunning failure." The Shas party faces major challenges after losing nearly half its seats, with its newspaper initially claiming success before alleging election theft. Divisions within the ultra-Orthodox political sphere are also evident in media coverage.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ultra-Orthodox newspapers are analyzing election results with mixed reactions, seeking optimism amidst challenges.
- The "Yated Ne'eman" newspaper declared its 7 mandates a "spiritual victory" and blamed smaller lists for collaborating with the left.
- Rabbi Dov Lando suggested ultra-Orthodox adherence to the "camp of Torah" rather than political blocs, possibly signaling reduced reliance on Netanyahu.
- The Shas party lost nearly half its seats, with its newspaper alleging election theft after initially claiming success.
- The "Pe'eles" newspaper called the results a "stunning failure" for traditional ultra-Orthodox parties, indicating public protest.
- Divisions within ultra-Orthodox parties, like "Yahadut HaTorah" and Shas, are reflected in media coverage and leadership absences.
An analysis of ultra-Orthodox newspapers reveals a struggle to frame recent election results positively, according to Dr. Ido Harari, a researcher of modern Jewish philosophy, writing on the "Ain Shviit" website. Despite mixed outcomes, publications sought optimistic narratives. The "Yated Ne'eman" newspaper, representing the Lithuanian stream, declared its 7 mandates a "spiritual victory" while blaming smaller, alternative ultra-Orthodox lists for collaborating with left-wing forces, despite their minimal vote share. Rabbi Dov Lando, a spiritual leader of Lithuanian Ashkenazim, stated that ultra-Orthodox individuals belong solely to the "camp of Torah" and not to any political bloc, which Harari suggests might indicate a desire among some ultra-Orthodox leaders to reduce their reliance on Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Internal divisions within the ultra-Orthodox political landscape have become apparent in media coverage following the elections. A split within the Hasidic segment of the "Yahadut HaTorah" party preceded the vote, and post-election newspaper content highlights these rifts. For instance, photographs from celebratory events included representatives from most party factions but notably excluded Yitzhak Goldknopf, the leader of the Gur Hasidic court. Harari interprets this absence as a sign of significant disagreements between the Gur Hasidic court and other partners on the list.
The Shas party appears to be facing the most significant challenges, losing nearly half its seats, dropping from 11 to 6 mandates. The party's newspaper, "HaDerech," initially attempted to portray the results as a success and emphasized voter loyalty. However, the narrative shifted to accusations against opponents, claims of widespread violations, and even allegations of election theft. Harari likens the party leadership's reaction to the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
In contrast, the "Pe'eles" newspaper, aligned with the radical "Jerusalem faction," described the election results as a "stunning failure" for traditional ultra-Orthodox parties. Its writers believe a substantial portion of the Haredi public protested the current leadership and its policies. "Pe'eles" uses the election outcome to support its ongoing ideological battle against the leadership of "Degel HaTorah," asserting that the current party leaders have strayed from the teachings of Rabbi Elazar Menachem Shach.
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