Former Degel HaTorah Deputy Shimon Toubul Joins Noam LeIsrael, Urges Haredim to Vote Alternative

A day after leaving Degel HaTorah, Shimon Toubul, former representative and deputy mayor of Beersheba, explained his decision to join the new party Noam LeIsrael in an interview with Kikar HaShabbat. Toubul called on Haredi voters who are reluctant to support traditional Haredi parties to consider Noam LeIsrael as a viable alternative. He emphasized the importance of strengthening Jewish identity in Israel, citing his observations during Simchat Torah and in the army where soldiers sought to connect with their Jewish roots.

Toubul addressed the phenomenon of many Haredim choosing not to vote, warning that this trend must be reversed. He stated that his rabbis endorsed his move and encouraged voters to support the new party to protect the Torah world and the state of Israel. Regarding the contentious issue of yeshiva students’ military service, Toubul distinguished between those who study Torah full-time and others, advocating that non-students should serve in frameworks that respect their religious lifestyle.

He also highlighted the party’s focus on social issues affecting the Haredi community, particularly the challenges faced by baalei teshuva (returnees to religious observance) and their children, as well as economic hardships including low wages for many Haredi women. Toubul promised that Noam LeIsrael will pursue a process to address these issues and will announce specific plans in due course.