Haredi Public Party Leader Moti Leitner Calls for IDF Service and Reforms
Haredi Public Party chairman Moti Leitner stated in a 103fm interview that his movement offers an authentic alternative for ultra-Orthodox Israelis, advocating for mandatory IDF service for non-scholars and core curriculum education.
Moti Leitner, chairman of the Haredi Public Party, spoke on Wednesday with Gideon Oko and Amihai Attali on 103fm, discussing the conscription of ultra-Orthodox citizens into the IDF, the establishment of his new party, and the existing Haredi leadership.
A New Voice for the Haredi Public
At the outset of the interview, Leitner asserted that his party does not constitute a challenge to anyone. "This is simply the first authentic attempt to bring a real message to the Haredi public, so we will certainly see a big surprise here," he stated. According to him, the party is not intended to serve as an opposition faction or voice negative statements, nor does it aim to oust anyone.
«This is simply an authentic, genuine attempt to express the frustration of people who want something else, who want realistic solutions and representatives who will sit in the executive and legislative branches to bring real solutions instead of dividing and widening the alienation between sectors.»
Responsibility, Conscription, and Core Curriculum
Leitner noted that the average Haredi citizen is frustrated not only by recurring clashes with the state over IDF enlistment, but also due to other systemic issues. He argued that the current leadership failed to protect Torah scholars and failed to arrange authentic solutions for those who do study. Addressing military service, Leitner stated that if it were up to him, young ultra-Orthodox individuals who do not study Torah would be obligated to serve in the IDF.
He criticized the current political establishment regarding the expansion of dedicated military tracks:
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Failing to establish additional companies and reinforce Hesder yeshivas, akin to the Hasmonean Brigade.
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Neglecting to replicate technological tracks such as the Kodkod and Yoav programs.
Leitner also addressed the core curriculum issue within the Haredi sector, terming it a colossal failure of the old leadership. He claimed that ultra-Orthodox politicians actively blocked attempts in Haredi cities to establish schools teaching core subjects, often resorting to threats against school principals.
In conclusion, Leitner dismissed attempts by panicked political brokers to spread disinformation and conspiracy theories about his movement, emphasizing that parents demanding a better future for their children will receive the necessary educational tools and skills.
