The Haredi Revolution in Likud: Why Are the Hasidic Sects Enrolling?

The article reveals the growing power of Haredim within the Likud party, with thousands of registered members and branches in almost all major Hasidic sects. It presents key figures like Yossi Rosenboim from the Karlin Hasidic sect, who brings thousands of voters, and the Gur Hasidic sect entering the game. The influence is evident in the recommended lists and the party's tone, with about 7,000 Haredi registered members out of about 140,000.

The article describes the transformation of the Haredi public into a significant force within the Likud party, with thousands of registered members and branches in almost all major Hasidic sects. The central figure is Yossi Rosenboim from the Karlin Hasidic sect, considered the largest Haredi recruiter in Likud, who submitted thousands of forms and can bring at least 1,500 people to the polls. He began recruiting volunteers in 2004, and under him operate commanders affiliated with ZAKA and United Hatzalah. Rosenboim explains that Haredim found a new home in Likud for ideological reasons, and that the Haredi parties did not represent the revolution in recent decades. Also, the Seret-Vizhnitz Hasidic sect from Haifa conducted a recruitment drive for Likud, after feeling disappointment with official representatives and with Mayor Yona Yahav. Belz Hasidim have a long-standing representation, with Shlomo Elboim managing the recruitment. The Gur Hasidic sect, previously considered a political rival, began registering with the goal of reaching thousands of members, led by Elazar Gordon. The influence is evident in the recommended lists, with names like Amir Ohana, Ofir Katz, Miri Regev, and Yariv Levin, and in the party's tone on the conscription issue. It is estimated that there are about 7,000 Haredi registered members in Likud out of about 140,000, and a group of 3,000 organized members is a significant force. The Haredim aspire to become the mainstream of the movement, similar to the settler lobby.