A few days ago, Rabbi Chaim Amsellem announced he plans to run in the Bayit Yehudi primaries, hoping to land a senior post in the dati leumi party’s lineup for the next elections.

Rabbi Amsellem writes “There are things in my heart and I want to express them”, adding “I even agree with some of your arguments and concerns. I understand, believe me but please also believe in me”.

Amsellem, who was once a member of the Shas party, feels that after taking a hiatus from politics he has reached the realization that the dati leumi party is best aligned with his hashkafa and he feels this is the home for Sephardi rabbonbim, who are traditionally Zionists.

He views Bayit Yehudi as a vehicle to “bridge” the different languages of religious Jewry and he hopes to become Israel’s next Minister of Religious Services to permit him to advance many issues that have been near and dear to him over the years, with giyur being a priority.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)