After years of machlokes, the word is that there is shalom bayis in Shas after a meeting was held with Rishon L’Tzion HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef, Jerusalem Chief Sephardi Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar Shlita and Shas chairman Aryeh Deri. While the two a rabbonim are mechutanim, they have been distanced since Rav Amar did not back Rav Yosef’s bid for the Rison L’Tzion post, but backed another candidate.

According to reports, last week, Deri held a three-hour meeting with Rav Yosef, as well as Rav Amar, and it appeared he managed to bridge the gap and have them agree to place their differences aside for the greater good.

The peace-making efforts did not stop there as Rav Amar then briefed HaGaon HaRav Meir Mazuz Shlita, Rosh Yeshivat Kisei Rachamim, with Rav Mazuz representing the opposition, rav of the Yachad party, headed by former Shas leader Eli Yishai.

Rav Amar has also met with Eli Yishai, reportedly making an offer to bring him back to Shas in the hope of creating unity.

While recent events are indeed dramatic, it is yet to be seen if the Sephardic camp will once again be united. Deri is well-aware that many election polls show Shas cannot earn four seats, the minimum required to enter Knesset. In the highest latest poll, Shas earns five seats, also presenting a two-seat decline from today’s reality. Hence, Sephardi unity is a must if the party is to continue playing a major role in Knesset.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)