Avi Weizman, who broke away from Shas to establish a Yachad branch in Haifa spoke out strongly against Shas leader Aryeh Deri. Weizman served in the past as Shas’ deputy mayor in Haifa as well as head of the religious council. In a media interview who accuses Aryeh Deri of “making us all transparent”, using Deri’s campaign slogan that Shas is here to care for the “transparent citizens”, the poor and underprivileged whom are forgotten by all other parties. He explained that Deri simply ignored him and others on the local level, never returning calls or addressing their issues.

“Is it because I never stole but simply served the people he has no time for me? Even Amram Mitzne and Yahadut Hatorah officials assist me, but Deri has vanished completely”.

Weizman adds that even when Deri visited ahead of local elections, when he was serving as head of the religious council, he could not find to address the local Shas people or their issues. He speaks about Deri’s efforts to manage Kol Berama Radio and control who is and is not given air time. “Now Aryeh Deri cries because they are ignoring him…The problem is at Kol Berama that are afraid of him. I have had enough and refuse to be intimidated, but I will say what has to be said”.

Weizman explains he was about to break from the public arena when he heard about Yachad and is now working to advance that party.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)