Senior Haredi MK Threatens Consumer Boycott Over Draft Sanctions on Ultra-Orthodox

Meir Porush, a senior member of Agudat Yisrael, threatened a consumer boycott against major companies if sanctions on ultra-Orthodox draft defaulters continue. Speaking at the "Tevuna for Economy" conference, Porush emphasized the economic power of the Haredi community, which spends over 51 billion shekels annually. He warned that if the community's religious leaders instruct, they will use this economic influence to demand the right to live as observant Jews without compromise and to reduce harm against them.

Porush addressed the unprecedented attacks on the Haredi public, including economic pressures and legal measures aimed at threatening their existence and religious lifestyle in Israel. He criticized the halting of budgets for Torah scholars, educational institutions, and related services, calling these actions a transparent attempt to force lifestyle changes.

Citing data from the "Tevuna Index" survey conducted with the Midgam Institute, Porush revealed that 41% of Haredi households had to cut back on basic food purchases or rely on food vouchers this year, with the figure rising to 51% among young adults and Torah scholars. He accused the judiciary of deliberately trying to "starve the children of Israel's Haredim," framing the economic measures as a war against their community. Porush concluded by asserting he would respond firmly to these attacks using their own language and means.