The Shas party Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael has appointed HaGaon HaRav David Yosef Shlita to head the Mayan HaChinuch education network directorate. The appointment results in the ousting of Rabbi Refael Cohen, a well-known educator, some feel because of his support during Knesset elections for Eli Yishai and his Yachad party.

Appointed along with Rabbi David Yosef are Rabbi Yehuda Cohen (Rosh Yeshivat Yakirei Yerushalayim), Rabbi Moshe Pinto, Rabbi Zamir Cohen, Rabbi Moshe Halevy, Rabbi Avraham Dayan, Yaakov Chemed, Avner Amar and Yosef Bosso. The director of the education network will be Chaim Biton.

Rabbi Yosef welcomed his colleagues on the board of directors, calling for opening additional schools nationwide.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)