MK Moshe Gafne is working to prevent the Bayit Yehudi party’s giyur bill from moving forward. He is calling to delay the ‘Jerusalem Law’ in his letter to coalition chairman MK (Likud) David Bitan.
In his letter, Gafne explains the bill discusses Jerusalem’s status as the capital of the Jewish People, and “therefore it has the status of a Basic Law” and in line with coalition agreements, it demands discussion. This is simply a tactical move aimed at preventing the legislation from advancing.
Gafne reportedly consulted on the matter with Gedolei Yisrael. It appears the reason for trying to stop the bill from moving forward was Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennet’s recent meeting with leaders of Reform Jewry.
The letter was sent on the backdrop of the machlokes between Gafne and Health Minister Yaakov Litzman of the chassidish faction of Yahadut Hatorah, with the latter willing to rely on Bennet’s word, stating he will not advance legislation that is harmful to the chareidim. While Litzman is willing to take Bennet at his word, Gafne is not.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
2 Responses
I don’t usually involve myself with internal Zionist politics but this situation is a bit different.
“…………Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennet’s recent meeting with leaders of Reform Jewry.”
You cannot trust anyone who sits down with apikorsim and shkutzim like the Reform. Reform is not Judaism.
I wish that Litzman would come out clearly if he does hold of Bennet or not,for Bennet has unfortunately already have shown too many times that he will do what is best for him as he sees fit.
I find it very hard to believe that Litzman will follow Bennet,and I wish there was more clarity in this matter