Yair Golan Labels Ultra-Orthodox Community as Parasites Amid Campaign Launch

During the official launch of the Democratic Party's campaign and candidate list presentation, party chairman Yair Golan took a firm stance on religion and state issues. Central to the party's platform is universal military conscription, alongside deep reforms in education and the status quo. Golan emphasized, "Only strong democrats will pass a real conscription law, mandatory for all, no deals, no tricks, no compromises. Everyone serves." He also called for unifying the education system under one state framework, stating, "The days of the state funding division for coalition reasons are over. Israel must have a single state education system with mandatory core studies for every child." The party also pledged to promote public transportation on Shabbat and civil marriage.

However, hours before the campaign event at Kiryat Ono, a recording aired on Channel 14 revealed Golan using harsh language about the ultra-Orthodox community. He described them as "13.5% of the population, a rapidly growing group living as parasites on the rest of the population, which cannot continue." Golan added an economic and social dimension, saying, "You are too heavy; we cannot carry you on our backs. We cannot work for you and pay taxes for you." He further compared the approach toward the ultra-Orthodox to that toward Palestinians, stating, "Regarding the ultra-Orthodox, as I said about the Palestinians, separation or annexation; regarding the ultra-Orthodox, segregation or integration."