Speaking with Israel Radio’s Reshet Bet on Sunday 10 Teves 5773, Rabbi Chaim Amsellem of the Am Shalem Party explains a number of matters of importance. Rabbi Amsellem rejects the current lifestyle that is supported by Shas, saying “this is not the way and not the way of our fathers. Since when did you see Sephardim who did not work, who weren’t Zionistic?”

Defending himself against allegations of defying Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita, Rav Amsellem insists the gadol hador is aware of what those around him wish to share with him. Amsellem explained the same holds true with the Ashkenazi gedolim. They act and rule based on the information given to them and he feels that is where the program lies.

Amsellem also attacked the Ministry of Religious Services, which is also run by Shas, rejecting the sectarian approach his former party has taken, rejecting a ministry that does not see to the needs of all the nation’s citizens, decrying the tactics being used by Shas leaders against him and to shift the rav’s position based on the information given to him.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)