Bereaved Family Member Urges Haredi Parties to Draw Line on Terror
Joel Schwartz, whose mother was killed in a terror attack, urged Haredi parties to reject political cooperation with factions supporting terrorism during government formation talks.
Joel Schwartz, whose mother Liba Schwartz was killed in a terrorist attack 23 years ago, voiced strong opposition on Thursday to any political cooperation with parties he accuses of supporting terrorism. In an interview with Dana Varon on the "Morning Edition" program, he called on Haredi parties to draw clear red lines during government formation talks.
Schwartz, a member of the bereaved families forum "Choosing Life," emphasized that his remarks stem from personal pain rather than partisan considerations. He noted that political discussions surrounding the possibility of establishing a government supported by Arab parties evoke profound anguish for bereaved families. "I am speaking less about politics and more about our feelings as bereaved families," Schwartz said, adding that he dedicates his time to volunteering in psychiatric wards in memory of his mother while working with people from all walks of life.
During the interview, Schwartz referred to a speech delivered on election night by Osama Saadi of the Joint List, which he said included dedicating their victory to prisoners held in Israeli jails. "I ask: who exactly are these prisoners?" Schwartz questioned with deep sorrow. "I am talking about monsters who simply murdered, beheaded, and burned innocent, good people like my mother, who never harmed a single soul. With them, there is nothing to discuss."
Schwartz clarified that he does not seek to dictate what kind of coalition should be formed, but rather to establish an unequivocal boundary regarding cooperation with elements that legitimize terror. When asked about the stance of the Haredi public and the possibility that its representatives might join a government backed by Arab parties, Schwartz expressed trust in the Haredi rabbinical leadership. He shared that over the years he has consulted with Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch and Rabbi Lando, describing them as leaders with deep wisdom and sharp discernment.
"The public trusts them. I believe that ultimately this will not happen, certainly not in the Hasidic sector," he stated, expressing confidence that Haredi representatives would not partake in such a maneuver. Schwartz concluded by drawing a firm red line for public officials: "We cannot cooperate—not in thought, not in speech, and not in deed—with Arab politicians who support terrorism. Do we want to condone the murder of innocent people? That is the bottom line."
