HaGaon HaRav Shimon Ba’adani Shlita, a member of the Shas Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael stated in a media interview that he tried to warn Rosh Yeshivat Kisei Rachamim HaGaon HaRav Meir Mazuz Shlita that if Eli Yishai splits from Shas, it will lead to machlokes. The two rabbonim met prior to Yishai making his final decision to determine if the split was preventable. Rabbi Ba’adani states that Rav Mazuz assured him this would not be the case and there would not be machlokes.

Rav Ba’adani was interviewed by “Scoop Line” and stated “I did not give my approval. Rabbi Mazuz visited me and I told him that I fear machlokes will result from a split, a major machlokes and fighting between Shas factions but he assured me this would not be the case. I told him I do not agree [with his assessment]”.

Rabbi Ba’adani commented on the confrontations that occurred in the Jerusalem hotel following Eli Yishai’s press conference, explaining what occurred is exactly what he was worried about. “I don’t know. I do not lead the activists. It appears they did as they did due to the affront to the Moetzas Rabbonim” explained Rav Ba’adani.

The rav explains that at first he thought Yishai would leave and join others, perhaps Uri Ariel, and that was fine because that would not have taken votes from Shas. “They explained to me that he would receive votes from other parties and not Shas” stated Rabbi Ba’adani.

The interviewer reminded Rav Ba’adani that this is what Rabbi Chaim Amsellem and Rabbi Amnon Yitzchak stated in the last elections, that they would bring votes from others, not Shas.

“Tell this to your listeners” responded Rav Ba’adani. “I wrote that I absolutely do not agree but it appears because I did not shout gevald they understood it to mean I agree. I said I believe it will lead to machlokes” Rabbi Ba’adani concluded.

Regarding the demands placed before Yishai, Rav Ba’adani stated he agreed to all but one, that he was not permitted to give interviews to the media without permission from Aryeh Deri.

Rabbi Ba’adani used the interview to send a message to Shas supporters. “First of all, no fighting. We mustn’t get a bad name. We must not strike one another but we must work to advance Shas and this is simple. Previously, it was Rav Amnon Yitzchak and I told him that he was endangering the yeshiva world. He replied ‘So what occurred?’ We did not have the strength and Netanyahu teamed with Yesh Atid. If we are weak who will protect bnei yeshivos? Only Shas and Yahadut Hatorah can be the watchdogs for Torah” he concluded.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)