Haredi Commentator Defends Community's Survivalist Ethos Amid Political Shifts

Haredi affairs commentator Avishai Ben-Chaim addressed concerns about Haredi parties potentially abandoning their right-wing allies and aligning with the left. He argued that the primary driver behind Haredi political actions is the survival of the Haredi community, which, in their view, is essential for the survival of the Jewish people.

Ben-Chaim referenced his book "Ish HaHashkafa," written over 20 years ago, which highlighted "survival" as a core Haredi value. He explained that the Haredi worldview perceives the modern and secularizing world, particularly since the 18th century, as an existential threat. Therefore, preserving the Haredi community is seen as a mission to safeguard Judaism itself, akin to a security operation.

He quoted Rabbi Shach, a significant figure in Israeli Haredi thought, who emphasized that the Haredi public has a central spiritual and biological mission to survive, like an organism in nature, especially given their belief in a sacred task and being the purpose of creation. Rabbi Shach reportedly stated that "we Haredim have been tasked with the preservation of the collective."

In response to Haredi journalist Shlomo Kok, who questioned why Haredi parties are criticized for speaking with the left when Netanyahu also seeks unity with them, Ben-Chaim pleaded for understanding. He stated his lifelong effort to foster love for Torah scholars and urged Kok not to create division, emphasizing their shared responsibility.