Degel Hatorah faction MKs visited the home of HaGaon HaRav Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita on Thursday 9 Elul to discuss the issue of increasing state-approved Chilul Shabbos. From Rav Shteinman, they went to the home of HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita.

They discussed the weekly Chilul Shabbos by Israel Railways, Chilul Shabbos approved by Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz, despite threats by chareidi elected officials to bring down the coalition over the matter.

Rav Shteinman was informed they plan to convene all three Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael together to address the matter. This includes the Councils of Agudas Yisrael, Degel Hatorah and Shas.

It is reported that Rav Shteinman approved convening all the Councils. It is added that Rav Kanievsky asked if they believe doing so will accomplish something, to which they responded, “it will”. Rav Kanievsky then joined in with Rav Shteinman, supporting the move as they continue battling to preserve the Shabbos status quo.

After visiting with Rav Kanievsky they MKs visited with Ponevezh Rosh Yeshiva HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein Shlita to discuss the matter as well.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)