Speaking to Channel 2’s Meet the Press program on motzei Shabbos the eve of 2 Shevat 5773, Shas co-leader Aryeh Deri explained Shas understands Yisrael Beitenu has an agenda, and that agenda includes “fictitious weddings from a Halachic perspective”.
Regarding the criticism against Shas for its election infomercial showing a fast-track convert marrying a Jewish man, he insists that when the popular TV satire show Eretz Nehederet pokes fun at politicians and labels people a Nazi or fascist, that is fine but when Shas tells it like it is, there is an outcry.
Deri explains that despite the outcry Central Election Committee chair Justice Elyakim Rubinstein did not disqualify the infomercial, “because as painful as it may be, it is true and that hurts. Yisrael Beitenu’s agenda includes approval of such weddings, which undermine the future of Yiddishkheit” he added.
Explaining himself, he stated he did not apologize for the infomercial because Shas is not opposed to immigrants from the FRU as is alleged, but accompanying that immigration was many many goyim and that is a matter of fact.
YWN-ISRAEL adds that ironically, it is Deri who now laments the hundreds of thousands of goyim but he does not tell listeners that he was the minister of the interior at that time, and it was he who approved their immigration , that of the non-Jews, which many felt was a government effort to dilute the growing influence of the chareidim and residents of yishuvim, the growing frum right-wing populations.
Back to Meet the Press: “There is no fast track to giyur and Yisrael Beitenu cannot change this reality” Deri added, who was then asked to comment on the growing number of Sephardi poor and unemployed, perhaps the result of not teaching core subjects in chareidi yeshivos.
Deri explained that “one might believe that before the establishment of Shas all Sephardim were employed and wealthy and due to the party, today they are falling on the social ladder. Shas is in government to actualize change. Today, there are over 7,000 chareidim attending higher educational institutions and that is due entirely to Shas. This is what Shas is about, change for the better.”
CHANNEL 2:
Why doesn’t Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announce that Shas is a natural coalition partner?
Deri:
I ask myself the same question. For two months I say that we will recommend Netanyahu for the presidential mandate following elections. I am using this opportunity before the cameras once again. I call on Mr. Netanyahu to call me tonight and let’s reach agreement by which you know we will be in a coalition with you.
CHANNEL 2:
We know he is speaking with Lapid too.
Deri:
The left-wing is not a natural partner. If that is the case, then let him announce e he does not wish to sit with us, not Bennett and not others. If he wants to sit with them, fine. I personally would be very pleased to have Yacimovich in the next government for we are in agreement on many issues but sadly, it is most unlikely that she will be in the government and that is why Shas is needed even more.
I am of the realization that Netanyahu will be next prime minister. I rely upon him for that and as defense minister but I fear the social issues and a strong Likud/Beitenu threatens us and that is why we are going after them.
CHANNEL 2:
What about share the burden and the issue of the service in the military?
Deri:
I have no doubt after the elections we can reach agreement with Yair Lapid too. Today perhaps we can’t because everyone is busy electioneering and trying to get votes. You will see that we can reach agreement.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
“Aryeh Deri explained Shas understands Yisrael Beitenu has an agenda, and that agenda includes “fictitious weddings from a Halachic perspective”….YWN-ISRAEL adds that ironically, it is Deri who now laments the hundreds of thousands of goyim but he does not tell listeners that he was the minister of the interior at that time, and it was he who approved their immigration”
What does approving their immigration have to do with approving their conversion!?