The Admor did not object: The surprising meeting of the new Haredi candidate

Representatives of the "Haredi-Tsibur" faction held a meeting on Thursday at the home of the Karlin Rebbe in an attempt to gain political support before launching their campaign. This is the first report revealing contacts between a well-known Hasidic court and a party challenging the hegemony of the veteran Haredi parties in the Knesset.

The move by the "Haredi-Tsibur" members was intended to establish rabbinical legitimacy for the new party. During the meeting, the Karlin Rebbe told those present that he had never supported any party and emphasized that he does not intend to grant public support this time either. However, one of those present in the room said that the Rebbe listened to the words and did not "throw them out," in his words.

The lukewarm but non-dismissive attitude from the Admor is raising expectations among the faction's members. In the Karlin Hasidic community, there is a traditional tendency not to vote for the establishment Haredi parties, and many Hasidim choose other right-wing parties at the ballot box. Now, the prevailing assessment is that some of them may shift their support to the new faction on election day.

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From the Karlin-Stolin Hasidic court it was stated: "We reject these claims and say that contrary to these reports, they have no connection to Karlin, and anyone who comes to receive a blessing is received with respect. The Hasidic court does not interfere in politics and has never addressed the issue of voting in elections."