Many haredim are fundamentally opposed to a secular, modern, pre-messianic Jewish state. A minority, are either ardently or passively Zionist. In 1947, Agudat Israel attempted to dissuade the General Assembly of the United Nations from voting in favor of the partition of Palestine. To this day, Agudat Israel members run for election and sit in the Knesset, but they refuse to accept any official ministerial post in the Israeli cabinet, and remain steadfast in their anti-Zionist ideology. Though resistant to active participation and affiliation with Israel's mostly secular democracy, haredi political groups function with the aim of aligning Israel's policies with halakhah, or Jewish law, as well as insuring that haredi schools and institutions continue to receive government funding.
Street musician in Karl Johans gate. Oslo, Norway, 2012.
Francisco likes to smoke cigars and has an obsession with time. He keeps many watches, but none work. This does not stop Francisco from taking his habitual walk to the city at the same time everyday like clockwork. On his walks he gets his supplies for the day, before returning home for his favourite past time; resting and eating. Francisco is a regular sight along the motorway. Normally seen walking alone and wearing one of his creations on his head. He usually carries a long stick on his shoulder from where his supplies cling, swaying from side to side with the movement of his sluggish pace.
