U'Bizchutan: The Struggle for Haredi Women's Political Representation
In the complex landscape of Israeli politics, the emergence of U'Bizchutan represents a pivotal moment for Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) women. Founded by Ruth Colian, the party was born out of a necessity to challenge the systemic exclusion of women from the political processes of their own community. For decades, Haredi political parties have maintained a strict gender barrier, preventing women from running for office or appearing on candidate lists.
The catalyst for the party's formation was Colian's own experience with the Shas party. After being denied the opportunity to run on the Shas ticket for the 2013 municipal elections, Colian sought legal recourse. She petitioned the Israeli High Court to declare gender exclusion in political parties illegal; however, the court denied her request to cut funding for parties that discriminate against women.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founder: Ruth Colian.
- Core Mission: To end gender discrimination and secure political representation for Haredi women.
- Historical Context: As of 2015, no female candidates had ever run on Haredi party lists.
- 2015 Election Result: Received 1,802 votes (0.04% of the electorate).
- Demographic Context: Haredi citizens make up approximately 12% of the Israeli electorate.
The Landscape of Haredi Feminism
The movement for women's rights within the ultra-Orthodox community is described by author and activist Elana Maryles Sztokman as "radical and revolutionary," given that these women come from a society where holding public office was previously prohibited. While U'Bizchutan focuses on formal political candidacy, other initiatives exist, such as Lo Nivchharot Lo Bocharot. This campaign, led by Racheli Ibenboim and Esty Reider-Indorsky, encourages Orthodox women to refuse to vote for parties that exclude women from their lists. Although both share a goal of ending discrimination in parties like Shas and United Torah Judaism, U'Bizchutan maintains no official connection to this campaign.
The Social and Religious Dynamic
The struggle for representation is deeply intertwined with social expectations. In many Haredi households, rabbis and husbands expect women to vote according to their guidance. This is particularly striking given that women are often the primary earners in their households. Ruth Colian notes that while a woman may theoretically follow her husband's and rabbi's instructions, the actual act of voting in the booth remains a private decision between the woman and God.
Opposition and Legal Protections
The push for female representation has met with severe backlash from religious leadership. Attorney Dov Halbertal publicly condemned U'Bizchutan, telling Colian she would be "excommunicated for generations." The conflict extended into personal spheres; Colian requested government protection after her 10-year-old daughter was removed from class and questioned about the party's activities.
In response to these threats, Deputy Attorney General Dina Zilber intervened. In a letter to the Central Elections Committee, Zilber argued that such threats were designed to prevent Haredi women from voting freely and running for the Knesset (the Israeli parliament). She characterized these actions as a serious phenomenon of discrimination based solely on gender, denying women their fundamental rights as citizens.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Electoral Performance
Despite the social buzz and the revolutionary nature of the movement, translating activism into parliamentary seats has proven difficult. U'Bizchutan has contested only one national election.
| Election Year | Total Votes | Percentage of Electorate | Seats Won |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1,802 | 0.04% | 0 |
The party has not run in subsequent national elections, but its existence served as a catalyst for discussions regarding the rights of Haredi women within the Israeli government and religious structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was U'Bizchutan founded?
The party was founded by Ruth Colian after she was barred from running on the Shas party ticket in the 2013 municipal elections and subsequently failed to secure a High Court ruling against gender exclusion in political funding.
Who was the first Haredi woman to serve in the Knesset?
Tzvia Greenfield became the first female Haredi Knesset member in 2008, though she did so by running with the left-wing Meretz party rather than a Haredi party.
What is the relationship between U'Bizchutan and Lo Nivchharot Lo Bocharot?
While both organizations protest the exclusion of women in Shas and United Torah Judaism, they have no official connection. Lo Nivchharot Lo Bocharot specifically encourages women to boycott parties that do not include women on their lists.
How did religious leaders react to the party?
Reaction was largely hostile, including threats of excommunication and the questioning of party members' children in school, leading the party leader to seek government protection.
Did U'Bizchutan win any seats in the Israeli parliament?
No. In the 2015 legislative election, the party received 1,802 votes, representing 0.04% of the electorate, which was not enough to secure a seat in the Knesset.