After Aliza Bloch: The Surprising Name Joining the Party of Erdan and Edelstein

Oren Smadja, the judoka, national coach, and bereaved father, joins the 'HaAchdut' party led by Gilad Erdan. Smadja, the second recruit after Aliza Bloch, explained his decision by his belief in the path Erdan leads: 'a true right that believes in service to all and unity.' He said he received offers from other political figures but chose Erdan. Erdan welcomed the move and called Smadja 'the salt of the earth.' Smadja, who was chosen last year to light a torch at Mount Herzl, dedicated it to his late son Omer, who fell in battle in the Gaza Strip. He grew up in Ofakim and later became one of Israel's most prominent athletes. After retiring from competition, he moved into coaching, and as national coach he mentored and trained generations of Israeli judokas. His joining is part of the party leaders' efforts to expand their ranks and bring in well-known figures from Israeli society ahead of the elections.