New Religious Party 'Achi' Launches Election Campaign Emphasizing Unity and Balanced Draft Policy

The newly formed political movement “Achi,” associated with the students of Rabbi Yoram Abergel, officially launched its election campaign on Tuesday evening in Netivot. At the event held at Daniel Estate, the party outlined its core positions on military conscription, education, and settlement policies, while calling for unity and a return to the “Sephardic path.”

Rabbi Yuval Elimelech, chairman of the movement, presented the party’s vision under the slogan “Enough Extremism - Returning to Sanity,” emphasizing efforts to unite different sectors of Israeli society. On the contentious issue of military service, Elimelech stated that those dedicated to Torah study should be allowed to continue without fear of arrest, but those who do not study must enlist, referencing rulings by Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and Rabbi Shach. He also pledged to reinstate the “teacher-soldier” track, which combines military service with teacher training, and promised to improve teachers’ working conditions and promote Ethiopian community integration in education.

Rabbi Chida Abergel, delivering the keynote speech, stressed that the party’s entry into politics is motivated by a desire to assist communities he believes are underserved, not personal ambition. He highlighted the need to balance the roles of Torah scholars and soldiers. Abergel shared an anecdote about Rabbi Shach rejecting a full scholarship offer from Prime Minister Menachem Begin, explaining that some rabbis might distance themselves from the public if not financially supported.

The party clarified it does not seek confrontation with other political groups and expressed goodwill toward them, aiming only to secure enough seats to fulfill Rabbi Ovadia Yosef’s vision of restoring traditional values. A notable moment was when Abergel revealed that Rabbi Ovadia Yosef appeared to him in a dream, blessing the party’s initiative. The name “Achi” symbolizes both Rabbi Yoram Abergel and Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. The movement is preparing for the upcoming Knesset elections and called on activists to begin voter mobilization efforts immediately.