According to a Midgam poll released by Channel 2 News on the motzei Shabbos Parshas Vayechi Meet the Press program, most respondents feel the Shas party has completed its role in the political community. Dr. Mina Tzemach explained the poll.
What is correct regarding the Shas party?
30% Shas made a positive contribution
28% Shas made a negative contribution
20% No impact
22% Do not know/refuse to respond
Dr. Tzemach states it is significant to realize on 30% feel the role of Shas has been positive, while 48% feel it was negative or had absolutely no impact.
What about Shas’ contribution to the Sephardi community?
37% Positive contribution
20% Negative contribution
25% No contribution
18% Do not know/refuse to respond
Dr. Tzemach points out here the contribution earns additional points, albeit not as much as one might expect and this is surprising. Dr. Tzemach adds that while Shas has many “traditional voters”, it was launched to assist the chareidi element of the Sephardi community, unlike the party of Aaron Abuchatzera, which was launched to assist all of Sephardi Jewry.
Has Shas played out its role or does it still have what to do?
52% Played out its role
29% Still has what to do
19% Do not know/refuse to respond
Has Shas played out its role or does it still have what to do? (Asking only Sephardi voters)
45% Played out its role
41% Still has what to do
14% Do not know/refuse to respond
Dr. Tzemach adds it is also interesting that there is a difference between the older and younger Shas voters. The older voters feel Shas has not contributed but still has what to do in the political arena, while the younger voters feel the party has contributed but played out its role. She adds the younger voters comprise the majority among Sephardi voters.
Dr. Tzemach adds that Sephardim are now proud of their ethnicity. She explains 5-6 years ago, when they asked respondents to identify if they are Sephardi and they did not like the question and did not wish to respond. Today she explains this is no longer the case and they are proud to respond they are Sephardi. She adds when seeking to differentiate between Sephardim and Ashkenazim, they learned Sephardim are significantly more right-wing and religious. Regarding their economic hashkafa, there is no difference between Ashkenazim and Sephardim.
Dr. Tzemach adds when asked how they voted and how they will vote, they learned the Sephardim are more willing to change their party than the Ashkenazim and the Sephardim will turn to another party in the upcoming election if they feel the need.
The poll involved 500 respondents representing a cross-section of eligible Jewish adult voters. The margin of error is +/-4.5%.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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2 Responses
Note that a third of the voters approve of Shas. In its best year, Shas got 17 seats, meaning it had perhaps 15% of the vote. Under the Anglo-American single-members, first past the post, system, overhwhelming disapproval of a party dooms them. Under proportional representation, Shas is actually in a good position since the only opinions that matter are those who might actually vote for Shas, and those voters still hold a positive opinion The 70% who disapprove of Shas do not include anyone who voted for Shas. The correct question would be to ask who voted for Shas in the past, and then to poll those voters – but a secular, western-oriented pollster would never do that.
it’s mashiach’s times. Look @ how many ppl are celebrating SIYUM HASHASS