Devout rout Devout rout

Israeli celebs ‘frum’ out

Facebook meme show politicians, models as ultra-Orthodox

Aaron Kalman is a former writer and breaking news editor for the Times of Israel

Sara and Benjamin Netanyahu portrayed as ultra-Orthodox photo credit: Rosy Afriat/Facebook)
Sara and Benjamin Netanyahu portrayed as ultra-Orthodox photo credit: Rosy Afriat/Facebook)

Israeli celebrities went viral a long time ago, and now, thanks to Photoshop and some creative people, they’ve also turned Orthodox. Or, at least dress like the most devout ultra-Orthodox people in Israel.

Bar Refaeli turned religious (photo credit: Evyatar Gat/Facebook)
Bar Refaeli turned religious (photo credit: Evyatar Gat/Facebook)

In a trend started by Rosy Afriat (who created the picture of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara), pictures showing Israeli politicians, news anchors and even models dressed in ultra-Orthodox clothing are circulating on Facebook, gaining thousands of Likes and Shares on the social network.

A picture of supermodel Bar Refaeli, who’s been featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition and runs her own lingerie line, was doctored so as to give her a head covering like that worn by many religious women in Israel.

Politicians, including Economic and Trade Minister Naftali Bennett and former foreign minister Avigdor Liberman, were given traditional ultra-Orthodox clothing and hairstyles.

Meanwhile, others responded with secularized versions of prominent Orthos, including a startling rendition of Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef sans beard and vestments (see below).

Avigdor Liberman goes ultra-Orthodox (photo credit: Itzik Weinberger/Facebook)
Avigdor Liberman goes ultra-Orthodox (photo credit: Itzik Weinberger/Facebook)
Naftali Bennett as an ultra-Orthodox chasid (photo credit: Dikla Ben Zakri/Facebook)
Naftali Bennett as an ultra-Orthodox hasid (photo credit: Dikla Ben Zakri/Facebook)
Rabbi Ovadia Yosef minus the beard (photo credit: Amir Schiby/Facebook)
Rabbi Ovadia Yosef minus the beard (photo credit: Amir Schiby/Facebook)

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