Noam Party Accuses Shas of Voter Deception Over Similar Election Slogans

A sharp dispute erupted on Tuesday between the Noam Party and Shas over their election campaigns. Noam, led by MK Avi Maoz, sent an urgent cease-and-desist letter to Shas CEO MK Haim Biton demanding the immediate removal of Shas's new campaign slogan "Derech Emunah Bacharti" ("I Chose the Path of Faith"). Noam claims this slogan closely mimics their own campaign launched earlier in the week under the same phrase, which emphasizes strengthening Israel's Jewish identity.

Noam's letter, sent through attorney Eldad Rabinovitch, warns that Shas's use of a nearly identical slogan just one day later creates a false impression of cooperation between the parties, misappropriates resources invested by Noam, and damages the uniqueness of their message. Noam set a deadline of noon Wednesday for Shas to remove the campaign before pursuing legal action.

Shas launched its campaign on Tuesday with the slogan "Derech Emunah Bacharti," highlighting faith and unity among the Jewish people. Shas chairman Aryeh Deri explained the slogan is inspired by a verse from Psalms symbolizing the strength of Israel and reaffirmed the party's commitment to preserving Israel's Jewish identity.

Noam expressed disappointment, stating that ahead of this critical election for the right-wing bloc's continuity, they expected fair competition from their fellow faith-based allies but were shocked by Shas's "deceptive tactics" that harm their campaign and mislead the public.