Senior figure in United Torah Judaism: "The parades for deserters strengthen the Haredi parties"

A senior figure in United Torah Judaism said that the welcome parades for Haredi deserters strengthen the sense of threat in the Haredi public and the narrative of 'the right to be Haredi', but admitted it is too early to know if this will translate into mandates. The main event, featuring singing and dancing for about 50 deserters released from military prison, will take place this evening in Jerusalem, joining a similar parade organized by the protest party 'Black Color' in Bnei Brak, which poses an electoral challenge to the Haredi parties.

A senior figure in United Torah Judaism said that the welcome parades for Haredi deserters strengthen the sense of threat in the Haredi public and the narrative that the Haredi parties seek to place at the center – 'the right to be Haredi'. According to him, the images of yeshiva students entering prison over the conscription issue also affect the Haredi public not associated with the extremist faction. However, the figure admitted it is too early to know if this will translate into mandates. The main event, featuring singing and dancing for about 50 deserters released from military prison, will take place this evening (Tuesday) in Jerusalem. The event joins a similar parade organized by the Haredi protest party 'Black Color' in Bnei Brak on Sunday. 'Black Color' has adopted an extreme line in the fight against conscription and is trying to rally those who believe the Haredi parties are not doing enough. For the Haredi parties, this is a significant electoral challenge, as the party appeals to a young audience that could vote for the Haredi parties but instead will choose a protest party.