The Shas Party on Thursday evening launched the opening of its election campaign for the Feb. 10th general election for the 18th Knesset. The event was held without the presence of Maran Ovadia Yosef Shlita, who is recuperating from a medical procedure on his back. The event was held in Ashdod, sending a signal the party plans to focus on the southern area more than in the past.
The election rally was held in Beit Knesset Ohel Avraham in the Rova Zayin neighborhood of the city, which was hit hard during the recent Gaza War. Marking the miracles seen in the southern cities during the war, particularly Ashdod, the event was opened with the recitation of Nismas, followed by tefillas maariv. Only then did they get into political matters.
Some of the participants reminded the audience that as far back at 24 years ago, Shas introduced the now-famous slogan “we can do it!” used by the newly-elected American president. At that time, it signaled that not only they, Agudas Yisrael can run for Knesset, but also ‘we’, referring to the new Shas Party.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
3 Responses
SHAS is forging ahead with innovative & creative means to win the votes, and they will. The majority of southern residents originated in Arab countries and count SHAS as a brotherly party. The question is, What does Shas offer them?
Shas is the only real alternative. It is still figuring out how to switch from a parochial frum party, to a general (potentially ruling) party that happens to be frum. Give them time. Another generation and the question will no longer be who Shas will support for Prime Minister, but who Shas will be forming a government with.
Sefradim have always maintained a world view of klal yisroel and traditionally have been working together with various people in their businesses endeavors.
Rabbanim/leaders and common folk are intertwined in the Sefradic kehilla, where a love and reverence is given to the Chachamim. The Litvack hierarchy is not part of Shas’ world, they relate & maintain warmth and love without regard to mitzvah observance.