Minister of Religious Services (Shas) David Azoulai on Tuesday, 10 Elul, visited Gush Etzion on an official visit, escorted by the head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, Davidi Perl. One of the stops was in Kibbutz Kfar Etzion, where the minister met with soldiers in the Netiv giyur program.

Azoulai told the soldiers the program is a good one unlike some of the other conversion options available to people today.

Perl asked the minister to assist in building mikvaos in the area, in outposts, explaining despite the complexities of the situation, these essential services must be made available to residents.

The minister said “The visit to Gush Etzion was my first with the dati leumi community and I plan to continue the tradition of cooperation in the path of Maran, who was close to all of the rabbonim. Regarding talks surrounding the budget, I fought with Bennet and Shaked for portions of the budget pertaining to Jewish identity. We will only succeed through cooperation”. He added that he has the utmost respect for the mesirus nefesh on the part of the mikve women and religious council head.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)