Shas party leader Minister Aryeh Deri on Monday, 6 Cheshvan, participated in a Knesset question and answer session. Deri was responding to questions in a calm tone until MK Elazar Stern of Yesh Atid asked about the situation at the Kosel vis-à-vis the egalitarian prayer area and accommodations for non-Orthodox Jews.

Deri’s voice changed when responding, signaling the emotion behind the matter. “Is this the type of Yiddishkheit we want” he questioned, adding “I am willing to do without it”.

“I prefer the original, not the imitations. This is not the Jewish religion. I cannot bring one closer while distancing the Yiddishkheit that our fathers fought to maintain for thousands of years. The Kosel is the remnant of the Beis Hamikdash which we hope will be rebuilt to permit bringing korbanos and there will be a Kohen Gadol. They don’t believe in this and they don’t want this. So what do they have to do with the Kosel at all other than provocations!”

“There is an ideological political dispute and they are trying to take the situation that prevailed for seventy years and create machlokes in Am Yisrael”.

During his address Deri referred to Reform Jewry as “brothers” but added they are the cause of significant damage to Yiddishkheit.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)