MembersUltra-Orthodox Fined for Selling Prayer

Talismans and lucky charms in exchange for votes? Yes, it’s happening in Israel!

By David Lazarus | | Topics: Election
Shas fined for exchanging lucky charms for votes in Israeli election.
Photo: David Cohen/Flash90

The ultra-Orthodox Shas Party was fined NIS 7,500 (over $2000) by the Central Elections Committee for handing out amulets promising protection from the coronavirus.

The amulets include a small card with Hebrew scriptures and prayers beside a picture of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the deceased spiritual leader of Shas.

Printed on the cover of the card holder the amulet promises “Protection against plague: Corona – and all evils.” There is also a reference to the incident in the Bible when the High Priest Phineas stopped the outbreak of a plague by executing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman for sexually intermingling with foreigners and their gods.

Shas Party activists were caught offering these amulets to voters together with Shabbat candles bearing Yosef’s picture. According to election laws, the distribution of “election propaganda shall not be connected to the giving of gifts.” This is not the first time the Orthodox party tried to “buy” votes by offering gifts. In the April and September 2019 elections they were also fined...

Israel Today Membership

Become a Member

  • Read all member content

    Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel.

  • Get exclusive in-depth reports from Israel

    Connect with Israel, right from your home.

  • Lift up the voice of truth and hope

    Support Jerusalem-based Zionist journalism.

Already a member? .

Members

Israel Today Membership

Read all member content. Access exclusive, in-depth reports from Israel! Free Zoom events. Connect with Israel right from your home! Raise a voice of truth and hope. Support Faith-based journalism in Jerusalem!

Monthly
Membership

$5
/ month
Full access to Israel Today's Member-only content on all Digital Platforms.
Become a Member

Yearly
Membership

$46
/ year
Full access to Israel Today's Member-only content on all Digital Platforms.
Save 18% Per Month.
Become a Member

Six Months
Membership

$28
every 6 months
Full access to Israel Today's Member-only content on all Digital Platforms.
Save 9% Per Month.
Become a Member

Leave a Reply