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...

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