JERUSALEM — The political strategy of Israel's ultra-Orthodox Shas party, led by Arye Deri, functions as a religious counterpart to modern progressive identity movements, according to analysis published by The Jerusalem Post.
The commentary examines the foundational appeal and operational methods of Shas, a movement centered on representing Sephardic and Mizrahi ultra-Orthodox Israelis. Through its long history in the Knesset, Shas has built a distinct base by combining traditional religious observance with identity-driven political mobilization, addressing long-standing social and economic grievances experienced by its core demographic.
Identity and Political Mobilization
According to the opinion reporting from The Jerusalem Post, the rhetoric and structural framework utilized by Shas mirror key mechanisms found in secular progressive politics, often categorized in contemporary discourse as woke politics. Rather than relying solely on standard theological platforms, the party focuses heavily on systemic disparities, cultural marginalization, and the empowerment of traditionally underrepresented communities.
Under Deri's continuous leadership, the party has positioned itself as both a religious authority and a dedicated social advocate. By consistently articulating the concerns of Sephardic citizens who historically felt sidelined by Israel's Ashkenazi-dominated institutions, Shas creates an electoral strategy rooted in identity-based advocacy and cultural vindication.
The Role of Arye Deri
Deri remains the central figure orchestrating this political posture, utilizing coalition negotiations to direct state funding and legislative support toward his constituency's educational and communal institutions. The reporting notes that this continuous emphasis on group identity, historical disadvantage, and targeted state intervention aligns closely with the modern ideological practices of identity-based political movements elsewhere.
Through these methods, Shas continues to wield significant influence in national coalition governments, leveraging its cohesive voting bloc to sustain its community institutions while reinforcing a distinct political consciousness among its supporters.
