HaRav Tuvia Blau, a prominent mashpia in the Yerushalayim Chabad community and menahel of the Beis Chana School in the city has been called upon to assist in the deadlocked talks surrounding the Beis Yaakov in Emanuel.

Rav Blau is a good friend of Rabbi Yaakov Yosef, the court-appointed arbitrator in the talks. Rav Yosef is one of the driving forces behind struggle to end segregation in the Beis Yaakov. They have worked together in the past, especially during the years the Rebbe ZT”L launched the ‘mi yehudi’ battle.

According to a Kikar report, when Rav Blau arrived at Rav Yosef’s home, he questioned “why davka Emanuel”, pointing out the segregation/discrimination exists in many schools, not just in the Shomron.

Realizing Rav Yosef’s close affiliation with the struggle for a Greater Eretz Yisrael, Rav Blau explained that Emanuel is over the Green Line and such a struggle in the media only serves to further weaken the community’s position.

R’ Yosef is quoted as saying “this is a holy battle and we are taking it to the end”, aware something must be done once and for all. The rav added that the only place where there is no discrimination is in Beis Chana, the Chabad network, [where his granddaughter learned after being denied entry to a Beis Yaakov because she is from Sephardi parents].

Rav Yosef indicated that he too is pained by the current situation, but sincerely feels the current situation cannot be permitted to continue. Seeking a solution, he recommended that the Slonimer Rebbe Shlita sign a kol korei against discrimination, denouncing the practice in chareidi mosdos. If the Rebbe agrees, Rav Yosef explained he will do his part to diminish the flames of dispute. Rav Blau stated he will deliver the message to the Rebbe.

Speaking with Chabad Online, Rav Blau stated the discrimination does exist, as all involved are aware, and he feels committed to do his utmost to restore peace and end the ongoing conflict.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)