Angered at the way in which the Bayit Yehudi party is dealing with budgetary and housing issues, chareidi lawmakers on Tuesday, 7 Teves 5774 notified Housing Minister Uri Ariel at the last moment that they will not be attending a meeting to discuss the housing shortage in the chareidi sector. MKs from both Yahadut Hatorah and Shas canceled their planned participation in the meeting, which was to be held in the minister’s office at 5:00 PM.

The chareidim accuse Bayit Yehudi of nonfeasance and malfeasance regarding the issues at hand, pointing out the party’s response to the painful cuts government funding to yeshivos has been insufficient. The chareidim feel Bayit Yehudi is a major player in the coalition and it has not done enough regarding mosdos torah or chareidi housing.

The chareidi MKs blasted the party and Ariel, stating they will not take part in a meeting with a senior administration official, an administration that remains committed to the elimination of limud torah. The MKs added that despite ongoing efforts, Bayit Yehudi will not succeed in dividing the chareidim, pointing out the Ashkenazim and Sephardim are united in the decision not to attend the meeting. The MKs appear to have decided on a new strategy and their assault against Ariel was quite intense by all accounts.

Back in May, Ariel sent a clear message to the chareidi community, that he will do everything he can to strengthen and protect mosdos torah.

Officials in Ariel’s office explain that just last week the minister traveled to Har Yonah with Eli Yishai, and then the minister visited the chareidi Shomron community of Tel Tzion, accompanied by Rishon L’Tzion HaGaon HaRav Moshe Shlomo Amar Shlita. The officials are quoted telling Kikar Shabbos that Shas leader Aryeh Deri has not instructed faction members to halt cooperation

Ariel stated that he has been working hard towards alleviating the housing shortage and he plans to continue doing so.

Officials on MK Moshe Gafne’s staff stated he never planned to take part in the meeting and he never confirmed his planned attendance for he will not sit with Ariel under current realities.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)