Arad Mayor (Yesh Atid) Nissan Ben-Chamu was interviewed on Boker Tov Drom Radio, asked to address upcoming municipal elections and what will occur in his city if the Likud succeeds in closing a deal with Gur, a move that would give Gerrer Chassidim significantly more power in the city.

Ben-Chamu fears that if this occurs, “It is tantamount to returning the Gur Chassidim to the center of power, returning them to dictating the municipal agenda, returning the city years back.”

Speaking to radio host Amon Sofer of station 97FM, he warned if Likud and Gur partner and close a deal for elections, and a Likud candidate runs in the elections, “This means there will be a red carpet like the situation existing prior to my victory. Arad could become 40% chareidim, and such a city would not have an economic right to exist”.

Ben-Chamu continues to insist that he has never had issue with religious Jews or chareidim, citing he has dealt with the dati leumi and Chabad communities, without issue. He has repeatedly stated in the past that Gerrer representatives continue to allege they are the subject of discrimination, but in essence, they receive their share of the pie as do others. Ben-Chamu feels the problem is that Gur simply “wants to take over”.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)