MK Esawi Frej of the left-wing Meretz party traveled to Bnei Brak to meet with rabbonim shlita in the hope of persuading them to see events as he does. The Arab lawmaker arrived on Tuesday night the eve of 4 Teves, hoping to meet with rabbonim towards advancing peace between Arabs and Jews. Frej feels there is no better time than the present, as the wave of terror continues.

However, what Frej was really seeking is for the rabbonim to instruct Minister Yaakov Litzman to back his bill to appoint women to the post of qaadi, an Islamic religious judge, a bill that Litzman currently opposes vehemently for he feels doing so would be a stepping stone to women demanding appointment to the Chief Rabbinate.

Frej began at the home of HaGaon HaRav Mordechai Gross Shlita, speaking about his bill as well as advancing peace between Arabs and Jews. Rabbi Gross explained that a woman cannot hold such a post according to the Torah and therefore, he cannot support such a bill for Islamic justices.

Regarding peace between the two nations, Rabbi Gross pointed out that children carrying knives and scissors are in the streets murdering, asking how one can remain complacent under such circumstances. Frej explained the behavior in both camps is unacceptable and only through peace and dialogue can peace be achieved.

Frej also met with HaGaon HaRav Shimon Ba’adani Shlita. The rav explained that if the matter was exclusively one pertaining to Islamic courts it would be okay but since this is not so, he cannot back such a plan, citing the pasuk ‘שום תשים עליך מלך’, explaining it says “king” and not “queen”. Frej tried to persuade the rav nevertheless, albeit without success.

Regarding peace efforts, Rav Ba’adani explained he is no stranger to terror, and that his grandson was murdered in a vehicular attack in Jerusalem. Rav Ba’adani recommended that he meet with the head of the Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael, HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen Shlita for whatever he decides will be accepted by the other rabbonim. He also recommended speaking with Aryeh Deri, who he thought would be willing and able to undertake bringing both sides closer.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)