Shas leader Minister Aryeh Deri continues his attacks against Reform Jewry and calls the activities of the Reform Movement “A spiritual Holocaust”, warning against permitting the Reform to gain a foothold in religious life in Israel.

Addressing a rabbinical gathering of Sephardi rabbonim, Deri spoke of the Reform plans for the Kosel area regarding egalitarian prayer and how HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L was so opposed to such a reality. He cited how he is asked why the need to fight for religious issues, giyur, the Kosel and who may daven there and other Jewish issues – responding he was close to Maran for over 40 years and one cannot describe the level of his mesirus nefesh and his battle to maintain the character of the Jewish People, religion and batei din and that there is no contradiction. “On the one hand, our way is that of ‘Darchei Noam’ but on the other side, we are responsible to protect and safeguard the path that has been the Jewish People’s throughout the generations” he exclaimed.

He calls the Reform a “spiritual Holocaust” and adds “remember that before the Holocaust there were 18 million Jews in the world and we could be an extremely large nation today if not for the impact of assimilation”.

He emphasized the Kosel is the last remaining place from the Beis HaMikdash and while no one is prohibited from visiting, there are customs that must be adhered to and there cannot be compromise when it comes to the Kosel, which is ultimately the property of HKBH.

He warned against any recognition of the Reform in Israel in any way, small as it may be, for this he explains will lead to the destruction of Am Yisrael. “They bring assimilation and you, the rabbonim, are on the front line against them. We cannot change the path that has kept us a single nation and while we yearn for achdus, we cannot compromise on the path”.

“Those who know me are aware I oppose religious coercion bills, the ones that compel a reality on others. I said once if there was a law compelling bris milah, we would see fewer of them. Our way is ‘Darchei Noam’ and we continuing marching on the path of Maran that encourages adherence to halacha and standing pure and teaching the younger generation”.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu addressed the forum before Deri, speaking of how Israel has shown excellence in two areas – technology and terror (Stating ט.ט. – טכנולוגיה וטרור) . Deri later explained “Netanyahu needs to know before his tet and tet there is Hashem Yisborach and Torah. ‘Ki Mitzion Tetzei Torah’ and that is what maintains the Jewish People”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)