A new political party representing the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) community in Israel is seeking to redefine the traditional stance of Haredi leadership toward integration with broader Israeli society. The Haredi Public party, launching its first Knesset campaign ahead of the upcoming election, promotes a platform that combines steadfast commitment to Haredi religious identity with increased participation in national service, education, and civic responsibilities.

For decades, mainstream Haredi political figures have resisted measures involving conscription of yeshiva students and have often distanced themselves from shared national obligations, including defense and economic contributions. This approach has drawn criticism for fostering division within Israeli society and for maintaining a protective posture that separates the Haredi population from the state’s collective burdens. The recent conflict and security challenges faced by Israel have only intensified scrutiny of this stance.

In contrast, the Haredi Public party aims to offer an alternative vision, encouraging greater inclusion of Haredi individuals within the Israeli national framework while safeguarding their religious values. Party leadership emphasizes that full-time Torah study for dedicated yeshiva students will remain protected, but advocates for broadening opportunities allowing other members of the community to undertake military or civilian national service adapted to Haredi sensitivities.

The party’s platform includes expanding state-supported Haredi educational streams that integrate core secular subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and civics alongside traditional religious studies. This dual curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for higher education and active economic participation. Additionally, the party supports cooperation with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to create specialized service tracks, including frameworks modeled after hesder programs and non-combat roles, aiming to normalize Haredi contribution to national defense.

Led by chairman Moti Leitner, a Hassidic deputy mayor of Beit Shemesh and software professional, the Haredi Public party draws support from a diverse cross-section of the community. This includes working professionals, women leaders, immigrants, and more secular-minded Haredim who feel unrepresented by existing parties such as United Torah Judaism and Shas. Party leaders also express concern about internal challenges in the Haredi world, including public stigmatization of Haredi soldiers, opposition to moderate reform advocates, and issues related to corruption.

Notably, the party has placed two women near the top of its Knesset candidate list, marking a rare and significant development in Haredi political representation. Dr. Nechumi Yaffe, a political psychologist with experience at the National Security Council, and Ziva Glanz, founder of the LaShuv olim network, bring professional expertise and leadership to the party’s ranks.

Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer chairs the party’s rabbinic committee and exemplifies its ethos of responsibility toward Israel’s future. Pfeffer brings a diverse background including service in the IDF, roles in the religious judiciary, and academic positions at Hebrew University. He advocates for moving “from a politics of fear to a politics of hope,” seeking to reconcile Haredi identity with active citizenship.

Preliminary polls indicate the Haredi Public party has attracted support from approximately 10% of Haredi voters, translating to around 100,000 votes or roughly 2.5 Knesset seats. However, with the election threshold expected to require closer to 150,000 votes, the party is calling on both Haredi and non-Haredi Israelis to back its efforts as a step toward fostering national unity and advancing the integration of a growing community within Israeli society.