Overview

As a young Haredi boy, Shmuel-Haim Pappenhym knew he must cover his eyes during Independence Day fireworks so as not to participate in "Zionist celebrations". Today, as a radical Ultra-Orthodox 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, Ultra-Orthodox 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 party's projected parliament seats. Conversely, Pappenhym is counting on high numbers of voter abstentions. For Pappenhym, participation in Zionist elections is a grave sin.