Gur Dynasty Retreats from Election Campaign, Sparking Crisis in United Torah Judaism
The Gur Hasidic dynasty shows unusual restraint in the upcoming election campaign, sparking tensions within the United Torah Judaism party over potential political shifts.
While ultra-Orthodox party newspapers are actively mobilizing for the upcoming election campaign with articles, headlines, and advertisements, the newspaper "HaModia", affiliated with the Gur Hasidic dynasty, stands out by its restraint.
Although the newspaper publishes election advertisements, they are relegated to the second page, and the overall tone conveys a distinct lack of enthusiasm for the campaign. "We understand that Gur has decided not to work at the moment," a United Torah Judaism source told the press.
"There is disappointment with them. All signs show they are cozying up with Gadi Eisenkot and want to weaken United Torah Judaism." Conversely, a Gur insider noted: "The question is not why we aren't working now, but why we worked all these years." Nevertheless, he emphasizes that no official decision has been made to halt activities, though silence currently prevails within the Hasidism.
Either way, this constitutes a minor drama within the ultra-Orthodox sector. Gur is the largest Hasidic dynasty in Israel, estimated to command a full mandate for United Torah Judaism. The lack of mobilization on their part could significantly undermine the party's efforts to secure ultra-Orthodox votes.
Yet not everyone in United Torah Judaism is alarmed by the implied threats. An informed ultra-Orthodox source claims that Gur is attempting to exert pressure to reclaim political leverage: "They have lost their power and are trying to restore it through empty threats. Ultimately, if they fail to vote for United Torah Judaism, they risk harming MK Yaakov Tessler, who is positioned eighth, is identified with the Gur line, and operates in cooperation with the Hasidism."
