developing· Politics· Updated
Splinter Gur Group Endorses United Torah Judaism in Israeli Elections
The community of Rabbi Shaul Alter, a splinter group of the Gur Hasidic dynasty, has announced its unprecedented decision to officially endorse the United Torah Judaism party in the upcoming elections. This marks a historic shift for the community, which has historically refrained from political endorsements and abstained from voting.
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What happened
- 01The splinter Gur Hasidic community led by Rabbi Shaul Alter has officially endorsed United Torah Judaism for the upcoming elections.
- 02This decision marks a historic shift for the community, which has historically abstained from political endorsements.
- 03Gabbai Yechiel Halperin announced the directive on Saturday evening, 17 October 2026, under the direct instruction of Rabbi Alter.
- 04The announcement was made during the traditional third meal at the community's central study hall on Yosef Ziv Street.
- 05The leadership cited the difficult situation facing religious Jewry and Torah scholars in Israel as the reason for the endorsement.
- 06Community members were urged to pray, vote for United Torah Judaism, and actively campaign for the party's success.
- 07The move is part of a broader consolidation of Hasidic groups, including the community's participation in the Chomat Torat Yisrael initiative.
- 08The main Gur Hasidic court has remained silent and has not yet issued any official statement regarding the elections.
The directive was announced on Saturday evening, 17 October 2026, by the community's gabbai, Yechiel Halperin, during the traditional third meal at their central study hall on Yosef Ziv Street. Halperin delivered the declaration, originally in Yiddish, in the presence of Rabbi Alter and under his direct instruction.
The community leadership cited the difficult situation facing religious Jewry and Torah scholars in Israel as the reason for the decision. The declaration stated that while the primary response to these circumstances is prayer, the community is also obligated to take practical action by voting and actively working toward the success of the United Torah Judaism list.
This political shift is part of a broader consolidation of Hasidic groups ahead of the elections, with Rabbi Alter's community recently joining the Chomat Torat Yisrael initiative. Meanwhile, the main Gur Hasidic court has not yet made any official statement regarding the upcoming elections.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Arutz Sheva. Read Arutz Sheva’s originalThe coverage
3 newsrooms on this story
Who covered it
- LeftNone
- CentreNone
- Right1
- Haredi2
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Not in the Centre or Arab press
