A long parade of politicians, businessmen and public service officials made an unusual pilgrimage yesterday (Monday) to an unusual event – the wedding of idol Adina Babchik – the daughter of the powerful man in Hasidism Gur Moti Babchik, who also serves as the chief of staff of Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf (Torah Judaism).
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Moti Babchik celebrates at the wedding of his house Idol Adina
(Rafi Kotz)
Babchik is one of the most powerful people in Israeli politics even though he is not a Knesset member. For more than 15 years he has been walking the corridors of the Knesset and the government as the chief of staff of the chairmen of Torah Judaism: first Yaakov Litzman and later with his successor – Yitzhak Goldknopf. Babcik was with Litzman in the finance committee and the ministries of health and housing, and now with Goldknopf in housing. He was a partner in all the coalition burdens and conditions in the last election campaigns, and he is also connected with the coalition as well as with MKs from the opposition, and current and former senior officials in the public service and of course also in the business world.
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Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf at the wedding of Moti Babchik’s daughter
(Photo: Rafi Kotz)
If it weren’t for the police investigation against him that began in 2016 with the alleged suspicion of improper influence on the composition of the medicine basket and more – which did not boil down to the filing of an indictment, he would have been appointed a kosher minister on behalf of Torah Judaism a long time ago.
At yesterday’s wedding, the following stood out: real estate agents, lawyers, politicians, businessmen and public sector officials in the present and in the past, all mingled with everyone as they had in common the closeness to Babchik. The wedding is also a test of strength for the man who whispers in the ear of the Rebbe Magor, who of course was present at the wedding , and his wife the rebbe gave blessings to the women who came to her.
One of the politicians not from Babchik’s party was asked why he came and replied: “Babchik is a nice person to work with. He is very popular.” Another added, “It’s worth keeping in touch with him. You’ll find out where Babchik will go next and what doors he will be able to open both now in politics and afterwards.”
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Chairman of the Aerospace Industries Amir Peretz arrives at the wedding
(Photo: Rafi Kotz)
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Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gabir with Knesset members Boaz Bismut and Mai Golan
(Photo by Rafi Kotz)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is “very fond” of Babchik, did not come, having held a press conference in Jerusalem at the same time. Nevertheless, Netanyahu’s associates stood out at the event: CEO of the Prime Minister’s Office Yossi Shelly, Prime Minister Yossi Fox, Yonatan Urich, Netanyahu’s manager and New Media, who recently left the Prime Minister’s Office and moved to work for him on behalf of the Likud, Netanyahu’s Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman , Netanyahu’s spokesman Boaz Golan, the advisor who liaises with the Knesset Nebo Katz, advisor Rivka Paloch. In addition, Netanyahu’s lawyer Amit Hadad (who also represented Babchik and claimed in 2021 that he was not allowed to meet with Babchik when he was arrested and then released), and attorney Michael Rabillo (from the law firm Shimron-Molcho – Netanyahu’s relatives) were also present at the event. who participated in the coalition negotiations, and represents Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu. Even Netanyahu’s former close secretaries, who moved on to serve in the MLA, were also present.
Also present on Netanyahu’s side were former adviser Farah Lerner – now deputy CEO of Enlight – a renewable energy company, and her husband strategic adviser Avi Lerner. Ikki Cohen – former adviser to Netanyahu, and now deputy CEO of the Ministry of Culture, and Asher Hayon, former Prime Minister of Netanyahu – They were too.
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Justice Minister Yariv Levin
(Photo: Rafi Kotz)
At one of the tables at the wedding, they joked that a government meeting could be held: 15 ministers and ministers came to the wedding: Goldknopf from Torah Judaism, from Likud: Defense Minister Yoav Galant, who asked the father of the bride why he did not come with his festive suit and shreimel to the government meeting. Nir Barkat Minister of Economy, Yariv Levin Minister of Justice, Israel Katz Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism Minister Haim Katz, Science Minister Gila Gamliel, Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman Minister of Social Equality Mai Golan. From religious Zionism: Bezalel Smutritz – Minister of Finance, and Minister of Settlements Orit Strock. From Otzma Yehudit: the Minister of National Security – Itamar Ben Gabir, the Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Amichai Eliyahu, and the Minister of Development of the Negev Galilee Yitzhak Waserlauf. And Shas was attended by the Minister of Religion Michael Malchiali.
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Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon
(Photo: Rafi Kotz)
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Former Minister of Justice Gideon Sa’ar
(Photo: Rafi Kotz)
The “Full Right” coalition was also represented by 10 Knesset members: Chairman of the Finance Committee MK Moshe Gafni (Torah Judaism), Chairman of the Interior Committee Yaakov Asher (Torah Judaism), Chairman of the Public Inquiries Committee Yitzhak Pindros ( Torah Judaism) – Babchik’s party. And more from the coalition: Chairman of the Economic Committee David Bitan (Likud), Chairman of the Constitution Committee Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionism), Chairman of the Health Committee Yonatan Meshariki (Shas), Moshe Solomon, member of the Finance Committee (Religious Zionism), Deputy Knesset Speaker Nissim Vatori (Likud), Boaz Bismut (Likud), and Almog Cohen (Otzma Yehudit).
During his years in the corridors of power, Bacchik made connections with MKs from the opposition. Members of Knesset from the state camp, who until a few months ago were part of Netanyahu’s emergency coalition following the war, came and hugged: Chairman of the state camp Benny Gantz, and his party member Orit Parkash HaCohen and the MK Formerly Eitan Ginzburg (the state camp). It was announced that Bechik came to Gantz’s house in Kibbutz Yad Mordechai to reach an agreement on the evasion law. Gantz has been claiming for a long time that only he from the opposition can bring the ultra-Orthodox to a broad coalition An hour at a table held by the Rebbe of Gor. By the way, Atias appointed by Shas chairman Aryeh Deri to deal with the legislation of the “evasion law” was seen at the wedding talking to Goldknopf. Perhaps they could have consulted with the first Zion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef who also came and didn’t stay long. In another part of the hall were Gantz’s former partners: Gideon Sa’ar and Ze’ev Elkin, now from the state camp and in the distant past in Likud.
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Far-right activist Daniela Weiss (right) with Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman
(Photo: Rafi Kotz)
A few tables near them were senior figures in the business world and in the real estate field: Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked, who serves as chairman and chairman of Cardan-Real Estate, and Barak Rosen – CEO and owner of the “Israel Canada” group, and chairman of the Israel Land Authority Yanki Quint, the president of the Kabbal Association Raul Sargo and the CEO Yigal Slovik, the chairman of Egged Real Estate Yair Pins (who was previously the CEO of the Prime Minister’s Office and the CEO of the Housing Ministry) and the chairman of Amidar – Yair Zilberstein. To the people of the business sector from Real estate is worth maintaining good relations with the Minister of Housing, and some say “the actual Minister of Housing”. Tomer Glam, Mayor of Ashkelon, and Mayor of Jerusalem, Omer Rahami, CEO of the Yesha Council, who until recently served as Smotritz’s advisor. On the part of the government companies: Chairman of the Electric Company Doron Arveli and CEO Meir Spiegler, Chairman of the Aerospace Industry Amir Peretz, Chairman of Israel Railways Moshe Shimoni and strategic adviser Shalom Shlomo, who was formerly the secretary of the government and adviser to Netanyahu, Bennett and Lapid.
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CEO of the Electric Company Meir Spiegler
(Photo: Rafi Kotz)
On the part of the civil service came the Commissioner of the Civil Service Prof. Daniel Hershkowitz, whose tenure will end next week, the Director General of the Ministry of Health Moshe Bar Siman Tov – (who served as the Director General of Health during Corona during the Litzman period), the Director General of the President’s House – Eyal Schwicki, Ronan Peretz – Director General of the Ministry of the Interior, Director General of Housing Yehuda Morgenstern (as well as many senior officials of the Ministry), and Director General of the Ministry of Transportation Moshe Ben Zaken. Gilad Erdan, Israel’s former ambassador to the UN (and former minister and MK) returned to Israel only 5 days ago, and he also came to the wedding.
Among all the crowds were also Harel Insurance Chairman Guy Rothkopf, and Gil Salomon, former CEO of the Bar Association, Tomer Amir, owner of the lobbying company Goren-Amir and its CEO Moshe Bibi. Their list of clients includes, among others: Forum 15 of the independent local authorities, Ramat Negev Regional Council, and Samaria Regional Council, General Health Insurance Fund.
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The Power Broker: Moti Babchik’s Influence in Israeli Politics
Moti Babchik, a name widely recognized in Israeli politics, has been a prominent figure behind the scenes for over 15 years. As the chief of staff of Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf (Torah Judaism) and previously of Yaakov Litzman, Babchik has been instrumental in shaping the country’s political landscape. Despite not being a Knesset member, his influence extends beyond party lines, making him a sought-after acquaintance for politicians, businessmen, and public officials.
Recently, Babchik’s daughter, Adina, got married, and the wedding became a Who’s Who of Israeli politics. The Alex Reed list read like a directory of the country’s power elite, with attendees from various political parties, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s associates, despite his absence due to a press conference in Jerusalem [[2]].
Babchik’s clout stems from his extensive experience in the corridors of power. He has been involved in the finance committee and ministries of health and housing, making him a valuable asset for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of Israeli politics. His connections stretch from the coalition to the opposition, as well as to current and former senior officials in the public service and the business world.
However, Babchik’s rise to prominence has not been without controversy. In 2016, he was investigated for alleged improper influence on the composition of the medicine basket, although no indictment was filed [[1]]. This investigation did not seem to deter his allies, as evidenced by the impressive turnout at his daughter’s wedding.
The wedding was attended by a diverse group of individuals, including real estate agents, lawyers, politicians, businessmen, and public sector officials. The presence of so many influential figures underscored Babchik’s status as a power broker in Israeli politics. Even Prime Minister Netanyahu’s lawyer, Amit Hadad, who represented Babchik during his investigation, was in attendance [[3]].
Babchik’s popularity among politicians was evident in their comments about him. One politician stated, “Babchik is a nice person to work with. He is very popular.” Another added, “It’s worth keeping in touch with him. You’ll find out where Babchik will go next and what doors he will be able to open both now in politics and afterwards.”
As the Israeli political landscape continues to evolve, one thing is certain – Moti Babchik will remain a key figure, pulling strings from behind the scenes. His daughter’s wedding served as a testament to his influence,
What notable Israeli politicians attended the wedding of Moti Babchik’s daughter?
Who’s Who at the Wedding of Moti Babchik’s Daughter: A Powerhouse of Israeli Politics
On Monday, a peculiar and unprecedented gathering of Israeli politicians, businessmen, and public service officials took place at the wedding of Adina Babchik, the daughter of Moti Babchik, a powerful figure in Hasidism and chief of staff of Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf (Torah Judaism) [[1]]. The event was a testament
