Shas Faces Backlash Over New Campaign Video Linking Torah Scholars and IDF Soldiers

The Shas party's latest campaign video, which attempts to portray Torah scholars and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers as part of the same family, has sparked widespread outrage on social media. Released shortly before the upcoming elections, many critics accused Shas of cynicism and hypocrisy, pointing to the party's previous opposition to the draft of ultra-Orthodox men. Users highlighted the contrast between the video's warm message and Shas's legislative efforts to maintain draft exemptions for yeshiva students.

Several commenters referenced statements by Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, a leading figure in Shas, who has previously called for tearing up draft orders and opposed the conscription of ultra-Orthodox men not engaged in Torah study. Some social media users also criticized minor details in the video, such as the ethnic appearance of the actors and religious practices depicted, suggesting these choices were deliberate and insincere.

In response to the backlash, Shas chairman Aryeh Deri shared a supportive message from a voter named Doron Levy, who praised the video for reflecting his own family's mix of IDF service and Torah study. Deri's sharing of this endorsement aimed to counter the negative reactions and emphasize the party's connection to both religious study and military service.

The controversy underscores the ongoing tension within Israeli society regarding the integration of the ultra-Orthodox community into national service and the political maneuvering around this sensitive issue ahead of elections. The Shas party continues to advocate for draft exemptions while attempting to broaden its appeal to a wider electorate through such media campaigns.