As he pushes for ultra-Orthodox draft, Moti Leitner aims to put the Haredi Public on a new path
POLITICAL AFFAIRS: Moti Leitner, head of the new Haredi Public Party, wants to encourage mandatory service and introduce core curriculum studies in ultra-Orthodox schools.
A new haredi political party has emerged in Israel ahead of the upcoming elections, with the goal of addressing ultra-Orthodox enlistment in the IDF amid a severe manpower shortage. Led by Moti Leitner, who previously served as the deputy mayor of Beit Shemesh, the Haredi Public Party aims to support haredi enlistment to the IDF and take a different approach compared to the current ultra-Orthodox parties, Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ).
Leitner believes that most ultra-Orthodox men should participate in military or national service, as some who study Torah full-time in yeshivas should not be forced to do so. He argues that these men should be encouraged to take responsibility and contribute to society, as their participation is vital in protecting those who study in yeshivas. Leitner also emphasized that if his party were to gain representation in the Knesset, it would allow for genuine haredi conscription.
The Haredi Public Party seeks to bridge the divide between haredi communities and the rest of Israeli society, while also facilitating the acclimatization of ultra-Orthodox olim (new immigrants) to life in the country. The party plans to work on integrating core curriculum subjects into haredi schools, encouraging more haredi men to serve in the IDF.
Regarding the draft of haredim to the IDF, Leitner acknowledged that there are various groups within the ultra-Orthodox society with different responses to enlistment. He emphasized that haredi society is not monolithic and that communities may react differently to the process of drafting members to serve in the IDF.
Leitner also expressed his concerns about the potential adverse effects of current legislation, such as state funding for haredi draft evaders and freezing arrests, as these measures might have the opposite effect of increasing haredi conscription. Instead, he advocated for positive incentives to encourage haredi conscription, such as not burdening haredi families with financial responsibilities, like paying mortgages and rent, as well as supporting their children's education.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
