Deputy Education Minister R’ Meir Porush is working behind the scenes, as is frequently his custom, lobbying the decision makers to permit moving ahead with the planned construction of 300 housing units in Betar Illit, a project already approved by the previous Olmert administration.

As part of his ongoing efforts, Porush last week brought Minister Dr. Binyamin Begin to Betar. Begin is a member of the mini-cabinet of decision-makers and his influence may assist the community in starting construction of the units, which to date have been delayed for one reason or another.

Betar Mayor R’ Meir Rubinstein released statements that while the cabinet decision to halt construction is painful, his community has decided to adhere to the decision and abide by the law, despite the hardships that will result.

Perhaps Rubinstein is aware that Porush’s efforts are expected to yield fruit and the construction halt in the chareidi community may only be temporary, thereby deciding to remain silent rather than sour the deputy minister’s ongoing efforts.

As was reported earlier by YWN-Israel, Welfare Minister Yitzchak Herzog visited the community on Tuesday and praised their self-restraint and commitment to adhering to the cabinet decision, remaining law-abiding citizens, not taking part in actions intended on stopping Civil Administration inspectors from serving stop-construction orders.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)