9032 —הבחירות, אחדות המפלגות הדתיות, וחשיבות חזית טכנית

B"H, the day after Yom Kippur, 5726.

Brooklyn, NY.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to the questions of many—following my first letter on this matter—regarding the stance that should be taken now concerning the Knesset elections, after the deadline for submitting lists has passed and each religious party is running independently: Although there is great pain over this division, recent public declarations by each religious party offer hope for improvement in at least an important part of the situation, as will be explained below. I refer to statements made by each religious party in speeches and official publications declaring emphatically that they are not to blame for the failure to form a technical religious front nor are they divisive; rather, external reasons beyond their control prevented its formation, and each details these reasons one by one.

Since these declarations were made publicly by the leaders of each party both orally and in writing and have been repeated several times, they are certainly responsible statements made with the agreement of all decision-makers in each party and bind the entire party. It was also previously announced openly—again both orally and in writing—that personal interests or gains of certain individuals (and I hope this also excludes gains for factions within a party) should not influence the issue of forming a technical religious front that benefits all Jews in Eretz Yisrael (which obviously means it benefits all factions and parties as well as every individual Jew living in our holy land).

They also emphasized that it was clearly seen in recent Knessets that sometimes a single vote decided matters—highlighting even more the necessity of a technical religious front which could increase representation by more than just one or two seats.

To all this I add a brief introduction: It is customary for every party (in its election platform) to inform voters and the public about its approach and work plan for all years of the upcoming Knesset. Based on this platform, voters decide whom to support. In light of these points comes a logical proposal regarding elections generally and specifically regarding forming a technical front: Each religious party should announce in its election platform—in a special clear and detailed section—its position and decision regarding forming a technical religious front in the future.

To prevent what just happened—where each blamed others for hidden motives or schemes—each party should detail its position on this issue as fully as possible; that is, specify all conditions it would set for forming such a front. This detail must be thorough so there will be no room to prevent forming such a front later with excuses like "that’s not what we meant," or mutual accusations afterward.

Also add that since we are speaking only about forming a technical religious front (not full unification for several years), there is certainly no place for conditions that would only apply if it were about long-term unification. The voters—who hold election power—are adults entitled to demand from every party an explicit and well-reasoned position on such an essential question so they can judge not only each party’s stance but also its reasoning. Therefore every condition requiring explanation must be presented with its rationale.

As stated above, I do not see anything extraordinary in this proposal since election platforms always include multi-year plans. Even if it were unusual, circumstances in Eretz Yisrael are completely exceptional—both materially and spiritually—and this is obvious.

This is also an opportunity to emphasize that for elections in several local authorities there already exists a united religious front. That means there is an actual practical decision from both political and spiritual leaderships of every religious party that fundamentally there can be such unity among all parties.

The rule is: If for local government elections—where meetings between representatives are more frequent and closer (especially during campaigns run mostly by locals), meaning local fronts could blur boundaries between parties or increase risk of one influencing another’s worldview—and yet there is room for not just a technical but even full cooperation throughout local governance (as practiced in some places)—then how much more so is there room fundamentally for at least a technical religious front regarding Knesset elections.

Additionally: Regarding election platforms there is no time limit (since they can change up until just before elections), though earlier publication is better so other parties can respond to any additions made by competitors—making everything clear to all. Thus, claims by some that lack of time prevented forming such a front do not apply here.

This does not contradict calls by each party urging people to vote only for them; if every party clarifies its position on forming a technical religious front unequivocally, it may even strengthen their appeal since no one could accuse them of evasion or hiding issues from the public.

I am neither a prophet nor son of a prophet; everything above remains valid even if four years pass before new elections—but especially since many experts believe that due to fragmentation among all parties it’s likely new elections will come much sooner.

Based on all this, there is strong hope that this proposal—to publish every party’s detailed position on forming a technical religious front in future elections—will be accepted. Once these positions with their reasoning are published as described above—and since logically and especially according to our holy Torah’s law improving Jewish life broadly in Eretz Yisrael must be decisive—the voter should choose whichever list whose representatives fully commit themselves without reservation to act accordingly.

With honor and blessing.

P.S.—Isru Chag Sukkot: For certain reasons sending this letter was delayed. Meanwhile I received an official copy of a declaration signed by all three religious parties (regarding "the United Religious Front for Tel Aviv-Jaffa municipality") which further strengthens what was said above if any strengthening was needed. I will quote just several lines though it all relates directly:

To those faithful among Israel... At this time when every Jew communes with his Creator and makes both personal and communal soul-accounting—the hearts of faithful Jewish leaders have moved toward good...to establish a united religious front for municipal elections in Tel Aviv-Jaffa... This uplifting news spread quickly and was enthusiastically welcomed everywhere. While all secular lists are united against our city’s spiritual character—it stands to reason that Jews loyal to Torah should unite as one...for strict preservation of religious education...vigorous action to strengthen Sabbath observance... Every voter should give generously toward consolidating unified Jewish action...and join the loyal camp of the united religious front...

I also add here an official public opinion from "Gedolei Yisrael...to the holy community in Eretz HaKodesh" about how crucial even one additional representative in Knesset can be—a matter vital to Torah Judaism—and here are their words:

This time more than ever before it may happen that one extra representative could tip decisive issues vital to Torah Judaism—and it lies within every faithful voter’s hands... Let individuals and communities show through word and deed that foremost among their concerns stands our holy Torah—to guard her from those who rise against her—from those who threaten Shabbat observance or education according to our ancestors’ ways...

The points listed above were copied from calls for unity regarding Tel Aviv-Jaffa—all parties pledged vigorously to defend them—even agreeing solemnly that any one could serve as mayor if chosen etc.

Summary

The Rebbe urges transparency from each religious party about their willingness and conditions for joining future technical fronts, emphasizing unity's vital role in protecting Jewish values nationally. He teaches voters should demand clarity so decisions serve both material and spiritual needs across Eretz Yisrael.