Yaakov Asher Emerges as New Face of Degel HaTorah Leadership
Yaakov Asher steps up as the new leader of Degel HaTorah following Moshe Gafni's departure, bringing local government and parliamentary experience to face the conscription law crisis.
The recent political earthquake within Degel HaTorah has placed Yaakov Asher at the center of the political stage. Following the decision to remove Moshe Gafni from the party leadership after 38 years, the 61-year-old Asher largely represents the next generation of Lithuanian leadership—a generation operating within the Haredi world while holding experience in local government, the labor market, and the broader Israeli political system.
From Bnei Brak to the Knesset
Asher, a father of seven and a grandfather, was born in Ramat Gan rather than Bnei Brak. He served in the IDF and gradually integrated into the labor market and public life. His political path took shape within Degel HaTorah and local government, eventually leading to his tenure as mayor of Bnei Brak. During his time as mayor, Asher led economic initiatives designed to rehabilitate the city's financial standing, including the promotion of the BBC complex in the northern part of the city, which evolved into an employment hub and a significant source of revenue.
Parliamentary Work and Leadership
After entering the Knesset, Asher stood out primarily for his committee work and legislation. He chaired the Constitution Committee during the sensitive period of the COVID-19 crisis, and during the recent term, he headed the Interior Committee, which dealt inter alia with repairing war damages. Concurrently, Asher is considered close to the home of the Lithuanian leader, Rabbi Dov Landau. This proximity positions Asher not only as a veteran parliamentary figure but also within the centers of power that drove the change within Degel HaTorah.
"The big test for Asher and the party leadership will be navigating complex national issues while maintaining the traditional foundations of the Haredi public," political analysts note.
The Conscription Law Challenge
The central challenge awaiting him is the ongoing crisis surrounding the conscription law. While Asher brings executive experience from local government and broader connections within the Israeli system, the question remains whether the change in the party's frontman will shift how Degel HaTorah interacts with Israeli society and the political system at large.
