Below the Electoral Threshold: The New Threat to Haredi Parties

The Haredi street is buzzing amid disappointment with existing Haredi parties. Several new Haredi parties are emerging that demand democracy, integration into the general public, support for IDF enlistment for those not studying, promotion of core curriculum studies, and holding primaries. Meanwhile, women set up a stall in Bnei Brak demanding the inclusion of women in the political system. The concern: loss of tens of thousands of votes for existing parties.

The Haredi street is buzzing amid disappointment with the existing Haredi parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism, which failed to arrange an exemption from conscription and ignored working Haredim. Now several new Haredi parties are emerging that demand democracy and integration into the general public. The 'Kahal' party, led by Shlomo Alboim, was launched in Jerusalem and is based on primaries and an elected body that will accompany the Knesset members. A poll by 'Askaria' shows that about 60% of opinion holders in the Haredi public support internal elections. The 'Haredi Public' party, led by Moti Leitner, is running a campaign to integrate a representative into existing lists, and supports enlistment for those not studying and core curriculum studies. The 'Ahi' party, led by Yuval Elimelech, a student of Rabbi Avargel, operates in Netivot and advocates for core curriculum studies and uncompromising enlistment. However, complaints of sexual harassment against Rabbi Avargel may harm the party. None of the three parties have representation for Haredi women, leading to the establishment of a protest stall in Bnei Brak and the 'Haredi Women's Primaries' initiative online. The organizations indicate grassroots ferment, but it is doubtful they will pass the electoral threshold. Possible mergers between the parties may follow.