Speaking with the dati leumi Srugim website, Tzfas Sephardi Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu tells of his meeting on Sunday in Bnei Brak with HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita. Rabbi Eliyahu stated that the Gadol Hador is opposed to the election of Rabbi David Stav as chief rabbi.

SRUGIM:

Did you leave there with an endorsement to become chief rabbi?

R’ ELIYAHU:

Yes, with definitive support. He was warm in his support.

SRUGIM:

Will there be similar meetings with other chareidi leaders?

R’ ELIYAHU:

In the evening, following the meeting with R’ Kanievsky there was a meeting with [Deputy Minister of Religious Services] Eli Ben-Dahan and Naftali Bennett’s representative as a result of the meeting with the rav earlier. It appears I have a solid majority among the voting body.

SRUGIM:

Why is chareidi support so important? Do you see yourself closer to the chareidim?

R’ ELIYAHU:

What? Of course not! I am totally a Zionist but I belong to everyone. The home I grew up in was clear. A rav must belong to all.

Srugim adds that regarding Rav Stav, Rav Eliyahu stated “I learned with him in the same yeshiva. We meet frequently. There are matter upon which I agree with him and matter upon which we do not agree.”

YWN-ISRAEL adds that gabboim to the Gadol Hador explain R’ Kanievsky is uninvolved in the election for chief rabbis and has not endorsed any candidate.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)