HAREDIM Gevald

As a young Haredi boy ShmuelHaim Pappenhym knew he must cover his eyes during Independence Day fireworks so as not to participate in Zionist celebrations Today as a radical UltraOrthodox leader he organizes mass demonstrations against the State of Israel He is also the editor of an influential magazine of a radical Jewish sect known for not recognizing the State of Israel In contrast UltraOrthodox parliament member Rabbi Avraham Ravitz served in the Israeli Army and has been involved in mainstream politics for many years As national election day approaches Ravitz anxiously tallies his partys projected parliament seats Conversely Pappenhym is counting on high numbers of voter abstentions For Pappenhym participation in Zionist elections is a grave sin