Shas leader Aryeh Deri and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni are actively opposing the candidacy of Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu in the Jerusalem Chief Rabbinate race. Livni insists the rabbi is racist and his candidacy should be disqualified, referring to the rav’s policy opposing the rental or sale of Jewish properties in Tzfas to Arabs. Livni stated that electing Rabbi Eliyahu to a chief rabbi post in the capital would be tantamount to lighting a match in a gas station.
For Deri, who ultimately decided to back the candidacy of Rabbi Shlomo Amar Shlita, opposing Rav Eliyahu comes naturally and it serves his political agenda well. One of Deri’s fears is that Rabbi Eliyahu will continue growing in popularity, a reality which could pull voters away from Shas.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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4 Responses
So he is he selling his soul once more ?
foolish ..Those who are cheering him on for this today,will be sure to stab him the back tomorrow.
(but he could accomplishes his main thing. Getting the possibility of Rabbi Amar supporting a new traditional party e.g.headed by Kachlon, off the radar)
What a hypocrite. Deri is the one (together with Rebbitzen Ralbag) who talked harav Eliyahu into presenting his candidacy. Now he is supposedly ‘backing’ harav Amar, who he loathes and fears, in a pathetic attempt to be seen on the winning side. Just who does he think he’s fooling?
You know when Deri and Livni join forces that means trouble for Klal Yisrael!
I am for anything that Deri and Livni are against. These two rabble makers only are on the look out for their own good against the good of the klal.
Deri wants to suck money to shas; Livni hates religious people. Two people that I would hate to be stuck on a deserted island with!