Jerusalem mayoral candidate Moshe Leon, the candidate of the chareidim is fighting for every vote amid an awareness the election will be a difficult one. Leon knows that on the positive side, if the Belzer and Gerrer Rebbes Shlita instruct chassidim to vote for him, this represents thousands and thousands of votes that are guaranteed. On the other hand, there is an air of complacency among many voters which he fears will prevent many from voting. Gedolei Yisrael Shlita are calling on the tzibur to get out and vote on Election Day, aware many do not feel compelled to take part in this upcoming municipal elections.
Making things worse Leon has learned the chareidi leumi community is not supporting his candidacy. This refers to the chardal communities headed by the roshei yeshiva of Merkaz HaRav and Har HaMor, Rabbis Yaakov Shapira Shlita and Tzvi Tau Shlita respectively.
According to a Major Rishon report, Leon’s effort to secure these votes failed as the two roshei yeshiva are going with the dati leumi community, backing Mayor Nir Barkat’s bid for a second term.
The announcement by the two prominent roshei yeshiva was received with surprise by Leon campaign officials for they viewed the support of these communities a sure thing.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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7 Responses
After his campaign lied about Rav Aviner on the radio what little goodwill he had he probably lost by looking too much like Deri & co.
To be exact:
1. Harav Shapira has refused to get involved in the elections, and neither backs nor opposes any candidate.
2. Harav Tau has not endorsed Leon but he has instructed the talmidim of Har HaMor not to vote for Barkat, saying:
למען אחי ורעי נרו’ בני הישיבה הקדושה הפונים בשאלה למי להצביע, הנני להזכיר את התבטאות רבנו זצ”ל בכאבו את החרפה חרפת ירושלים וחרפת עם ד’ שהיושב בראשות העירייה אינו מניח תפילין שהן פארן של ישראל.
So while both have not endorsed Leon neither one is backing Barkat.
Belz and Ger already said no…
This is not a mayoral election crisis, this election is all about who will be the next CHIEF RABBI OF YERUSHALAYIM?!!!
Either it will be a Charedi Rav or a Dati Leumi Rav,,that is what this fight is all about. (period)
and then we are upset about the pride parades.
#5- What does that have to do with anything? Jerusalem had a charedi mayor between 2003-2008 and each and every year he was in office there was a pride parade in Jerusalem. Are you suggesting that Leon is going to get the Supreme Court to change its policy on the subject? Do tell.
Leon has lost. The Rebbes of Ger and Belz have instructed their chassidim to put in a white slip with no name on it. The same way as it was the votes of Ger that lost Meir Porush the election last time and put Barakat in, it will be the [non] votes of Ger this time that will continue Barakat’s reign. What were Ger promised this time for supporting Barakat?