[VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

President Reuven Rivlin on Monday, 15 Iyar, met with chareidi elected officials from around the country. Among the mayors present was Betar Illit Mayor Meir Rubinstein, who spoke out sternly against anti-chareidi sentiment present in the media and public domain surrounding coalition negotiations. Rubinstein explained when parties reach agreement to enter a coalition it is called a deal but when it concerns chareidi parties, it is called “political extortion”.

Taking part in the meeting were mayors of Bnei Brak, Beit Shemesh, Modi’in Illit, Elad, Rechasim, Emanuel and Telshe Stone.

Harsh words earlier against the media by the president, who was critical of the anti-chareidi momentum of late led to sparse media coverage.

The president did not hide his disapproval that the matter of introducing core subjects into the chareidi curriculum was on the negating agenda, citing this should not be discussed in coalition talks as the chareidi children must receive an education like all the children of Israel. He also feels both the chareidi and Israeli Arab communities can and must do more regarding a public service instead of the IDF.

Mr. Rivlin said “In 2018, almost a quarter of the first grade students in Israel will be from the Haredi community. This community is no longer a minority and we must understand this and adjust our concept regarding the nature of the relationship – no longer as that of a majority and minority but of a partnership between the chareidi community and the general public. Within this partnership, first and foremost it is our duty to desist from patronization. The general public, which I am part of, cannot and should not determine for the chareidi public how and in which way to educate their children. A partnership means creating a discourse between all sectors of society, not as one which is characterized by forceful coercion, but as a discourse that is underlined by understanding, and outlines a path to the future.”

The President added that partnership demands sacrifice from all the partners, and stressed the need to integrate the Haredi community into the labor market and the economy.  “Every one of us bears responsibility for the future of Israel. We all need to be concerned for Israeli society, the Israeli economy and join in our existential fight here. The State of Israel today encourages the integration of chareidi public into the labor market, and into the civil service, but must also open its doors by recognizing their religious studies. We need to aspire to see within public service chareidi representatives relative to their size within the population. We must find a way to overcome obstacles, either by legislation or government decisions.”

The President noted that the President’s office had joined in collaboration with the chareidi community in order to promote integration and stressed the need for the mayors to take part in the this joint effort.  He said, “The President’s office is willing to cooperate with the leaders of the private economic sector in an effort to incorporate more chareidi workers into the labor market and facilitate with this integration. This matter must be taken to heart. As mayors you are among the leaders of the Haredi community, and I believe that together we can collaborate and bring about this desired change. The chareidi will benefit, and so will the entire Israeli society, and our common future here. Even in these days of political negotiations we should not be drawn into a discussion of incitement or a dialogue whereby any criticism is seen as incitement. As we speak, rescue organizations are working together in Nepal. Chareidi organizations are cooperating with the IDF delegation, former members of the Egoz Unit, together with Chabad. Let us sample a bit of this togetherness here today. This meeting is important for all of us. The saying “Every man shall live by his own faith” works in both directions.”

Yahadut Hatorah released a statement that one who has a chareidi woman as his bureau chief would be expected to be a bit more sensitive. Shas expressed insult over the president’s words, which the Sephardi party feels were ill timed, as the chareidi parties are under attack in the media. Some chareidi officials feel the president’s words “are not criticism but inciteful”.

The President’s Residence subsequently released a clarification. The president nonetheless remains firm in his beliefs regarding core subjects and national service.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)