[PHOTOS BY JDN IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

The Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael of Agudas Yisrael convened this week to discuss concerns of the increase in Chilul Shabbos around Israel as well as state interference in chareidi education.

The council’s secretary, Rav Mordechai Stern sent three letters to members of the Agudas Yisrael faction in Knesset of Yahadut Hatorah; MKs Yisrael Eichler, Menachem Eliezer Moses, Deputy Minister Meir Porush and Minister Yaakov Litzman.

The first letter spells out the decision of the admorim, addressing the chilul Shabbos matter and the need to protect the current religious status quo, which has been in place for decades, and in their words, serves as the basis for all religious services and matters in Israel its Orthodox rabbonim. The letter adds, “if not, chareidi Jewry cannot work with such a government”.

The second letter quotes the admorim and their vision for the establishment of a body to oversee higher education similar to the Council of Higher Education which oversees Israel’s universities. This independent body the admorim feel would safeguard the chareidi education system from unwanted state interference.

The third letter addresses the need to find solutions to the critical housing shortage and to find affordable solutions.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)