Esti Shoshan Pushes for Women's Political Representation in Ultra-Orthodox Parties Ahead of 2026 Elections

Esti Shoshan, CEO of the organization "Not Elected, Not Voting," is challenging the ultra-Orthodox community by advocating for women's political representation within ultra-Orthodox parties such as Shas and United Torah Judaism. Known for her activism and leadership in promoting recognition of ultra-Orthodox women, Shoshan seeks to break the traditional exclusion of women from positions of power in these parties. She highlights the growing difficulty for ultra-Orthodox women to engage politically within their own parties, often forcing them to seek representation in secular or religious Zionist parties where they face suspicion and marginalization.

Shoshan criticizes new ultra-Orthodox parties like "The Ultra-Orthodox Public," "The Community," and "Achi" for failing to include women in their political agendas, despite claiming to represent more modern ultra-Orthodox populations. She warns that any shift in ultra-Orthodox political allegiance is likely to benefit right-wing figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir rather than advancing women's representation.

A divorced mother of four, Shoshan is also a filmmaker, podcaster, and artist. Her personal journey from a traditional ultra-Orthodox upbringing to public activism has involved significant personal cost, including social ostracism and professional boycotts. Despite these challenges, she has developed leadership programs empowering ultra-Orthodox women to participate in public committees and advocate for their rights.

Shoshan recounts efforts to engage senior Shas representatives with detailed proposals for change, including establishing shelters for abused women and leadership programs, but notes that these initiatives have not been acted upon. She emphasizes the urgent need for ultra-Orthodox women's voices to be included in political decision-making, especially as unique issues affecting them remain unaddressed in budget discussions and public discourse.

With the 2026 elections approaching, Shoshan continues to push for systemic change within the ultra-Orthodox political landscape, aiming to transform the exclusionary status quo and ensure women have equal representation and influence.