United Torah Judaism

United Torah Judaism (UTJ) is a political party in Israel that primarily represents Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jewish communities. It is a coalition of two major Ashkenazi factions: Degel HaTorah, which primarily serves the Lithuanian Haredi community, and Agudat Yisrael, which represents the Hasidic sector. The party's formation was aimed at creating a unified political front to address issues of importance to the ultra-Orthodox community within the Israeli political system.

The values and political platform of United Torah Judaism are deeply rooted in Jewish religious law (Halacha…  ) and tradition. The party advocates for the preservation of the Haredi way of life and seeks to protect and promote religious study. One of its central tenets is the exemption of Haredi men from mandatory military service in Israel, arguing that their study of Torah is crucial for the Jewish people and serves as their form of national service.

UTJ also focuses on issues related to religious observance in the public sphere. This includes advocating for the observance of the Sabbath in public spaces and businesses, maintaining the status quo on religious and state matters, and opposing any legislation that would infringe upon religious traditions or practices. Additionally, the party works to secure government funding for Haredi educational institutions, which often focus on religious studies to the exclusion of a secular curriculum.

Social welfare and support for large families are also significant aspects of UTJ's platform, reflecting the demographic realities of the Haredi community, which tends to have higher-than-average family sizes. The party seeks to ensure that welfare policies adequately support these families, addressing issues such as housing, healthcare, and education.

While UTJ's primary focus is on issues of direct concern to the Haredi community, its role in coalition governments has often given it influence over national policies. The party typically aligns with conservative positions on peace and security matters, although its primary interests remain within the realm of religion and social services.

In summary, United Torah Judaism represents a segment of the Israeli population that is deeply committed to preserving a traditional, religious way of life. Its political activities are primarily focused on safeguarding the interests of the Haredi community, promoting religious observance, and ensuring the welfare of its constituents.