Yair Lapid on Thursday morning interviewed with Kol Chai Radio, speaking with Mordechai Lavi. When asked repeatedly “Do you hate chareidim”, Lapid’s response was emphatic, “no”, adding “I do not hate any Jews”. He also stated during the interview that he believes in HKBH and respects Jewish tradition.

Following Lapid on the Thursday morning 22 Tammuz program was Yisrael Eichler, who was asked to comment if he believes Lapid is sincere in his remarks.

Eichler explained “It is not important if Lapid hates chareidim or does not, but what is important is that he represents over 200,000-to-250,000 voters and his voice carries much weight”. He added that the reality is that according to all polls, Lapid will have 15-20 seats in the next cabinet and this must be addressed.

Others commented that Lapid is genuine and he has made great strides to show he erred in the previous administration, admitting to his mistakes, apologizing, and he speaks differently today when asked to comment on the chareidi community. In fact, with the exception of Health Minister Yaakov Litzman who will not speak with him, Lapid does maintain a dialogue with many chareidim MKs and cabinet ministers today.

Eichler explains that Lapid represents a growing number of Israelis, with a commentator adding for Lapid to say in the interview that he believes in HKBH is major, and such statements shouldn’t be ignored by the chareidim as is the case.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)