Elazar Stern, who holds the number four slot on The Movement Party lineup, was interviewed by Kippa. Stern, a retired IDF major-general and members of the dati leumi community, explains how he decided he did not want to join HaBayit HaYehudi or Yesh Atid, realizing he belongs with Tzipi Livni in The Movement.

Stern denies reports that he entered into discussion with the other parties, insisting he never met with Yair Lapid of the Bayit HaYehudi leaders to discuss joining their lists. “Rabbi Chaim Amsellem offered me the second position and I requested fourth or fifth place. The shidduch did not take place but out of respect for the rav, I prefer not to detail why.”

Stern explains it was not about a sure spot but for him, as he has always conducted himself, it was about remaining true to his ideals.

He goes on to explain how he makes peace with the political view of Livni and co-list mate Amram Mitzne, insisting The Movement in a centrist party, not left-wing. Regarding Mitzne, a retired IDF major-general as well, he says “I believe in the religious Zionist world there are people who have earned a great deal of merit by their actions, and Mitzne is one of these individuals. He has always acted for the good of the State of Israel and it is time for people to realize that there are such people even among those who do not wear a kippa or tzitzis. We have our differences as well, but there is more that unites us than divides us and there is a profound mutual respect, more than we see among some of the members of the religious parties.”

Regarding Livni’s record and past activities, Stern stated “I do not care to dissect why she has been unsuccessful. I for one respect her, and she clings to her ideals and yes, she has erred, as do we all if we are among the doers.”

Stern was asked to give his opinion about the appointment of dati leumi dayanim and chief rabbis.

Stern:

I believe that there should be dayanim and rabbonim from who were cultivated from the dati leumi schooling and have served the nation in the IDF. I will do my utmost to assist towards achieving this goal, and the Tzohar Rabbonim are a fine example. I hope I will be able to persuade my party colleagues towards accomplishing this for it is because of them I am here today.

When asked about gender separation in the dati leumi community, Stern explained he does not feel this is correct and he does not feel it should be the case in dati leumi schools in lower grades. He feels there is time for separation when a child reaches the age of ten and/or in line with the wishes of the parents and students in a school.

He explained “I understand the need for separation as well as the rising permissiveness in the world around us the demands we raise the walls. I am all for dealing with these challenges but I do not believe the correct way is gender separation from kindergarten or first grade or not inviting a father to the second grade sidur party because he will hear kol isha or concerns over modesty issues.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)