The Agudas Yisrael-affiliated Hamodia newspaper on Sunday morning 18 Kislev gave prominence to the battle taking place in Arad between the Gur community and City Hall. The newspaper speak of the need to join the battle for the “kedushas Beit HaKnesses” in the community, a shul that veterans in Arad insist Gur Chassidim stole away from the general population for themselves in a “hostile takeover”. It mentioned protests that took place around the country.

Yated Neeman on the other hand, affiliated with Degel Hatorah, does not make mention of the Arad situation. It is also excluded from HaMevaser, which is run by the Porush family.

However, Degel officials explain the party is doing its part to assist, pointing out the Maran HaGaon HaRav Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita last week met with Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, who is spearheading the battle on behalf of Gur. They add that Menachem Shapira, a prominent Degel official, accompanied Litzman in meetings with Bnei Brak Mayor Zeibert and Rav Shteinman to assist him in the battle against Arad City Hall.

Degel officials explain that they are all too well aware of what it is like to be discriminated against as chareidim, and they stand by Gerre in the battle but regarding taking to the streets in protest, this is only done if instructed by Gedolei Hador to do so, which has not occurred here.

Degel officials explain there is a different between supporting and assisting and an all-out battle including taking to the streets, but Gedolim has not instructed them to do so.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)