Following the sudden petira of newly-re-elected Telshe Stone mayor, Avraham Rosenthal z”l, elections were called again for head of the local municipality and the voting is set for 2 Shevat.

A heated atmosphere surrounds the upcoming election for the new head of Telshe Stone, elections. A kenos was held with the participation of Rav Beilinson, a Ram in Kiryat Melech, along with rabbonim from the community. A call was made in the name of rabbonim to Yanki Paley (פלאי) without mentioning him by name, to “pack your bags and return to Har Nof”.

“Until now, he believed we are all fools. I say to him, dear sir, go back to Har Nof. You are new here. You came to confuse us – for what, for what” asked Rav Beilinson.

Paley, a graduate of Yeshivos Ateret Yisrael, Shaare Yosher and Chevron, began his path in yeshiva ketana in Telshe Stone and returned there to set up his home a number of years ago. In a conversation with BeChadrei Chareidim, he explained “I am not running because I am in search of a job, but because I remain committed to running the council the best way possible”. He explains he was asked by rabbonim to enter the race, and after consulting with his rabbonim, he made the decision to enter the race, competing against Yitzchak Ravitz, who currently serves as temporary head of the local council.

Paley managed to gather the required 500 signatures to compete in the race. He has a background in management, and in recent years, he led a battle as shaliach of HaGaon HaRav Nissim Karelitz and Ravaad Eida Chareidis HaGaon HaRav Moshe Sternbuch, along with other rabbonim, surrounding the controversial construction at the Golovnitz site in Beit Shemesh. After a five-year- battle, his battle is yielding fruit as the first residents are entering their homes.

Paley also served in a number of positions, including an association with Mishpacha magazine and Kol Chai Radio.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)