Bnei Brak Deputy Mayor Calls for Unity Amid Internal Haredi Strife

Following the recent election results which saw an increase in the strength of the United Torah Judaism party, Shiki Mandel, Deputy Mayor of Bnei Brak, published a poignant letter in the Vizhnitz Hasidic journal 'Keser Eitan.' In his message, Mandel urged an end to internal conflicts within the Haredi community, criticizing perceived inaction regarding the status of yeshiva students and warning that external forces do not distinguish between different factions. He emphasized that the Haredi public demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Torah leaders by voting en masse for United Torah Judaism, despite personal grievances and frustrations. Mandel highlighted the plight of Torah scholars, who he stated are currently being treated as criminals by the state, facing restrictions on international travel and constant fear of law enforcement. He acknowledged a failure by Haredi representatives to adequately address the status of yeshiva students over the years, yet stressed their continued support for the party out of obedience to Torah scholars. The deputy mayor asserted that the public's vote was not intended to perpetuate internal disputes and power struggles, but rather to achieve genuine unity, mutual respect, and true partnership for the sake of Torah and the community's future. Mandel cautioned that the public and spiritual battle is far from over, with the status of Torah scholars and the threat of economic and legal decrees still looming. He warned that internal divisions weaken the community against external threats, stating, "There is fire raging outside, and wasting time on internal intrigues is sheer negligence. We do not have the privilege to quarrel." He stressed the importance of representing all segments of the public and honoring the trust placed in elected officials, calling for unified leadership under the guidance of senior Torah scholars. Mandel concluded that without unity, the Haredi community has no future, and his words resonate with the suppressed cries of hundreds of thousands of Haredi individuals yearning for true unity.