Porush Says Haredi Critics Have Switched From Incitement to Flattery

MK Meir Porush accused critics of the Haredi community of softening their tone after a change in the political landscape, during his first speech in the 26th Knesset on Wednesday. Speaking in the plenum, he defended Torah students and challenged those who had attacked them over military conscription. Porush said opponents had described Haredim as an “alliance of draft evaders” while discussing an alternative political arrangement involving 19 lawmakers from Arab parties. He also accused critics of blaming an entire community of Torah students for soldiers’ deaths. Turning to the change he described in public commentary, Porush said newspaper editorials and commentators that had previously attacked Haredim were now approaching them more warmly. “We were not moved by your incitement, and we are not moved by your flattery either,” Porush said. He called on those critics to be ashamed of their earlier conduct. Porush said Torah students did not need the approval of editorials or commentators. He pledged to continue defending the Torah world and expressed his belief that Torah protects the community’s homes and the Jewish people.