Kadima on Tuesday filed a police complaint over what it said was a “pyramid scheme” in which Hareidi political activists were signing up members for Kadima – and paying them to become party members. Kadima said it had “solid proof” of the plan. Observers said that the story was another tactic being used by Kadima leader Tsipi Livni in her desperate struggle to maintain her leadership of the party.
Details of the story were published in Yediot Achronot Tuesday morning. The story claims that unnamed “Hareidi political activists” had approached individuals in the Hareidi community, signing them up as “recruiters” to go around to friends and acquaintances to get them to become members. For each person they signed up, they would receive a bonus – and if those who signed up recruited others, they would get an additional bonus. The activists would also pay the membership fees for each recruit.
Kadima said that it knows who the “phony” members are, and that some of them are prepared to testify.
Sources in the Hareidi community dismissed the story, but said that it was clearly aimed at damaging the candidacy of Shaul Mofaz for Kadima. Mofaz is known for his connection to Hareidi leaders.