This coming Tuesday, 5 Kislev, is Municipal Runoff Election Day in cities and municipalities that did not result in a decisive victory for any of the candidates in the first round of voting. Among the cities in which runoff elections are scheduled are Jerusalem and Tzefas.
Agudas Yisrael reaches agreement with Moshe Leon
Nissim Hasson write in Haaretz that Agudas Yisrael has reached agreement with Moshe Leon in the Jerusalem mayoral race and the chassidim are expected to work hard to get voters out to back Leon. Nevertheless, some will refrain from voting. He adds that in secular areas of the capital, there are “unprecedented” efforts taking place to get voters out to back Ofer Berkowitz on Election Day.
Chassidei Slonim will remain at home on Election Day
Kol Chai Radio announced that Chassidei Slonim have been instructed to remain at home and not vote for either candidate in the Jerusalem mayoral runoff race, scheduled for Tuesday, 5 Kislev.
Gafne calls for chareidi achdus and putting the past behind
During a victory event in Haifa, Degel Hatorah Chairman MK Moshe Gafne turned to Agudas Yisrael, calling to put machlokes aside and to unite “ahead of upcoming challenges, for the good of the chareidi tzibur, with the draft bill heading the list”. Gafne called for achdus in every place, including Jerusalem. “We live together, we have no choice, and the foundation of our education, to adhere to our rabbonim and admorim – this no one will take from us, not even the publicists looking to advice something”.
HaGaon Rav Druckman Endorses Leon
HaGaon HaRav Chaim Druckman Shlita, a prominent posek in the datil leumi community, has endorsed Moshe Leon in the Jerusalem mayoral runoff election. In his letter, he explains he is familiar with Leon and he remains confident he is the man to run Yerushalayim’s affairs.
Leon will try to bring Berkowitz onboard
Moshe Leon announced on Thursday that if elected mayor of Jerusalem, he will bring Ofer Berkowitz into his coalition. He explains that he will invite him to join the coalition in the hope of running the city under the banner of unity.
Beit Shemesh Mayor Elect meets with Abutbul
Beit Shemesh Mayor-elect, Aliza Bloch, met on Thursday in the mayor’s office without outgoing may Moshe Abutbul. Dr. Bloch thanked Rabbi Abutbul for his years in office and public service, wishing him continued success. The rabbi wished Bloch the same, that she succeeds in serving the residents of the city, promising to be at her side whenever asked to do so.
HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky: Remain in Israel Until After Elections
HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita is quoted explaining that importance of the upcoming runoff elections, with a particular emphasis on Yerushalayim. Kikar Shabbos News reports the a rosh kollel from Yerushalayim asked if one should remain in Eretz Yisrael to vote and may one leave before, and the Torah giant responded unequivocally, one is obliged to remain and vote, once again, particularly to ensure a victory for Moshe Leon against the secular candidate, Ofer Berkowitz.
Berkowitz: Don’t judge me by the kippa I don’t wear
Jerusalem mayoral candidate Ofer Berkowitz on Thursday held a press conference in light of a number of persons and organizations expressing their support for candidate Moshe Leon.
Berkowitz addressed the dati leumi community, explaining they should not judge him by the kippa he doesn’t wear. He stressed his commitment to maintaining the religious status quo in the city. He called on chassidim too, not to judge the fact he does not wear a yarmulke, insisting he is not planning to change the religious character of the city. He stressed he will not give up on his dream to have the religious, chareidi and secular communities unite together in the capital.
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
One Response
Ofer Berkowitz is Backed by
The new Israel fund
women of the wall
Shalom Achshav
Even for those who religion is not your Forte need one say more?!