Over recent days there was speculation concerning the position of Gedolei Hador Shlita and Moshe Leon’s bid in the Jerusalem mayoral race. However, that cloud of mystery was lifted today, erev Shabbos Chol Hamoed Sukkos 5774 as Leon arrived in Bnei Brak for a visit with HaGaon HaRav Aaron Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita. Maran reportedly told Leon the chareidi community will do everything it can towards his success in the mayoral race.

Leon was accompanied by Jerusalem Deputy Mayors Yossi Deutsch and Yitzchak Pindrus along with Councilmen Yisrael Kellerman and a number of others.

“It is very important that a Jew who wears a yarmulke stands at the head of Yerushalayim, one who understands the kedusha of the city, its meaning to Am Yisrael and that Yerushalayim is not like all other cities. Yerushalayim must serve as an example to other cities and therefore we must strive that the head of the city is one who understands this” Rav Shteinman explained during the visit.

The gadol hador turned to the councilmen present and said “We must do everything possible towards his success that it should be a Kiddush Hashem.”

Pindrus explained the incumbent, Mayor Nir Barkat has done everything to direct the city in the opposite direction but Leon, as a shomer Shabbos Jew, understands the kedusha and the city and the mission at hand. He added that Leon has shown his ability to preserve the kedusha of the city while addressing the needs of all the communities in the capital.

From there they visited with HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita. Here too he was received warmly. The gadol hador said “One who keeps the Shabbos; the Shabbos will watch over him. One who does not, the Shabbos will take leave of him,” giving Leon a bracha for success in the upcoming election.
So it is now official, that Degel Hatorah endorses Moshe Leon in his bid to become the next mayor of Yerushalayim.

(Photo: Ladaat.net)

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem / 1st Day Chol Hamoed Sukkos in Eretz Yisrael)