Religion Magazine

Hysterical Attacks

By Gldmeier @gldmeier
I understand why people are angry at Naftali Bennett, and at the government he and Lapid are forming. 
I especially understand why some Yamina voters feel betrayed and are very angry, as Bennett broke a significant campaign promise.
I understand why the Likud is angry - losing power and jobs they have held for a long time, unsure of the direction the new government might take and possibly changing it from the direction the Likud has been leading it in for a long time.
I understand why the Haredi parties are angry - losing access to control, to jobs and to influence that has helped them preserve their desired way of life. Unsure of what this new government might do, possibly slashing budgets that until now have been earmarked for Haredi institutions, especially yeshivas and kollels...
I dont understand why the Haredi parties are acting as if the world is coming to an end. They are hysterical with anger. I get they are frustrated and angry, but they have really gone crazy. On the one hand it seems like they are the most Zionist people ever, worried about defending the policies of the Right on the Land of Israel and attacking Bennett for already betraying that, so perhaps it is further indication that the Haredi parties are no longer "non-zionist" (or possibly anti-zionist) but have moved into the realm of being Zionists. 
Nothing has even happened yet, the government has not yet been sworn in let alone even one policy item been suggested or passed and they are acting and screaming that this is the worst government in history and most anti-Jewish. Rav Mordechai Neugershal, a Haredi spokesperson and rabbi, even said that we must sit shiva for this government being formed. Litzman called Bennett a chilul hashem and a "Reformi", Gafni has been out of his mind and out of control saying things like he is a rasha and other nasty things.
Gafni has even implored the Haredi journalists form the various papers and news outlets to not cooperate with the new government and to not cover them. Many Haredi journalists have responded negatively to this request/demand. It is a harsh request - how can a news media outlet not report on the government, not interview members of government and not take press releases?
I get that they are angry, but this reaction is too harsh - especially because nothing has happened yet. Give them a chance - it is not like you have a choice anyway. Say they are bad, if you must, and won't join them, but calm down and see what they actually do or don't do before going crazy. 
Unless maybe the going crazy now is their way of saying don't mess with us, don't touch our budgets, don't hurt what is really important to us, etc. and the attacks are just to scare them off.
------------------------------------------------------
Reach thousands of readers with your ad by advertising on Life in Israel ------------------------------------------------------

Back to Featured Articles on Logo Paperblog