Rabbi Eliyahu Schlesinger Shlita is the rav of the Gilo neighborhood of Yerushalayim as well as the rav/posek of the Jerusalem Religious Council. Rabbi Schlesinger was referring to the interview with Israel Radio given by HaPeles’ R’ Yeshayahu Wein. Wein stated that at present there is no chareidi litvish candidate for the position of Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Yerushalayim. Therefore, it is possible that HaGaon HaRav Shmuel Auerbach Shlita will support the dati leumi candidate, Rabbi Aryeh Stern Shlita, who he stated is a talmid chacham. Wein indicated that if Rabbi Stern appears to be committed to preserving kashrus in the city then it is possible the Bnei Torah will vote for him. The party affiliated with Rav Auerbach has one vote in the local chief rabbinate election.

Speaking with the chareidi media on erev Shabbos Parshas Chukas 5774, Rabbi Schlesinger expressed surprise, pointing out that Rabbi Auerbach is well aware that he views himself as the chareidi candidate for the post. He adds that in the past, Rav Auerbach event approached Maran HaGaon HaRav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv ZT”L calling upon him to back Rav Schlesinger but this did not occur because Rav Elyashiv did not wish to become involved in the political arena.

Rav Schlesinger added this story was told by Rav Auerbach in front of guests on chol hamoed Sukkos, including to Rav Yosef Efrati Shlita.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)