Following the motzei shabbos (eve of 19 Cheshvan 5773) Shas event in the Jerusalem Convention Center, party official Yitzchak Sudri told Israel Radio just how Shas is committed to defending the middle and lower income families and addressing social economic issues, admitting the party has its shortcomings and could have done more, planning to continue improving in the future.

Following Sudri Israel Radio interviewed Chaim Amsellem, who broke away from Shas and launched the Am Shalem Party.

Following are excerpts from Amsellem’s statements:

Never before in our history has there been a situation in which people are learning while waiting for a check to arrive in the mail. Throughout our history we have learned while proudly earning a parnasa. The current situation is not correct.

The [chareidi] parties are promoting poverty and the current reality is unacceptable. Why can’t a small child learn English and math? It is not against the Torah to do so. This is unacceptable.

While in Shas I tried pushing the same agenda, albeit quietly for in Shas one is not permitted to think or speak out. For me, the breaking point came with the discrimination in the schools in Emanuel. That is when I decided I cannot remain silent any longer.

Amsellem blasted Shas, accusing the party of know what to say but simply not doing enough and when it comes to combating discrimination against its children in Ashkenazi schools, the party capitulates and he is unwilling to accept this.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)