There was much confusion on Tuesday morning 14 Teves 5774 amid the announcement from Jerusalem City Hall that some schools will be opening today following the difficult winter snowstorm. In the chareidi sector the confusion was greater as there was not official announcement from chareidi education officials in City Hall. Degel Hatorah’s MK Rabbi Moshe Gafne was not silent, launching a scathing verbal assault against Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, citing his administration failed miserably in dealing with the storm and the aftermath.

Gafne pointed out that today, Tuesday; there are still homes that are without electricity and water, days after the storm. He added many areas around the city are not accessible, still blocked by snow accumulations. Gafne stated “City Hall had sufficient time following the storm. Things are in total disarray”.

Gafne feels the mayor’s statements regarding returning to classrooms was “dim” and it left parents with the responsibility as to send children back to school or not. He added that statements from the mayor were “vague and responsibility was left to the parents and school administrators rather than taking responsibility. City Hall is utterly helpless.”

“In addition, Nir Barkat did not publish a listing of chareidi schools. For him the chareidi sector does not exist. The same chareidim that put him in office will hold him accountable” he added angrily.

Gafne is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the handling of the storm towards being prepared for future emergencies.

Jerusalem City Hall released a statement lamenting the fact that Gafne is using the storm to advance a political agenda.

Speaking with Israel Radio on Tuesday afternoon, Gafne added “It took me 90 minutes to get to the Knesset [from Bnei Brak]. It snowed. This is like a third world country”, continuing with his harsh criticism of the handling of the storm. He added Israeli officials should look at Jordan and King Abdullah, who was decisive in announcing the closure of schools and other services while in Israel ambiguity and uncertainty was the norm.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)