Haredi Public for Service and Education in Israel — Jerusalem Post
In Israel, the new ultra-Orthodox party Haredi Public, which is participating in Knesset elections for the first time, proposes combining the preservation of Haredi religious identity with greater participation in national service, the economy and public life. This is stated in an opinion column in the Jerusalem Post.
The party is led by Beit Shemesh deputy mayor and software specialist Moti Leitner. Column author David M. Weinberg writes that Haredi Public supports broad draft exemptions for men studying full-time in yeshivas, while also advocating meaningful service for those who do not study there on a permanent basis.
Service and education
According to Weinberg's description, the party proposes cooperating with the Israel Defense Forces to create service formats adapted to the needs of Haredim. Possible options include hesder programs, special brigades, as well as national service formats in the civilian security sector and the defense industry.
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Haredi Public also supports a large-scale expansion of the network of state schools for Haredim. Alongside Torah and Talmud, such institutions are expected to teach English, mathematics, natural sciences and civics, so that graduates can continue their education at colleges if necessary.
Candidates and support estimates
The party included two women near the top of its candidate list: political psychologist Nechumi Yaffe, who previously worked at the National Security Council, and Ziva Glanz, founder and CEO of the LaShuv network for repatriates. The party's rabbinical committee is headed by Yehoshua Pfeffer, who served in the Israel Defense Forces and chairs the public council of the Haredi Netzach Yehuda Brigade.
According to polls cited by Weinberg, the party may be supported by around 10% of Haredi voters, or approximately 100,000 people. The author notes that about 150,000 votes may be needed to pass the electoral threshold in Knesset elections.
