Former Shas leader Rabbi Aryeh Deri on Monday busied himself visiting gedolei yisrael, having met with HaRav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv Shlita and making two visits with HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita.
Speaking with those in ‘the know’, Kol Chai Radio reported on Monday night that Deri is signaling he may soon announce his candidacy in the Jerusalem mayoral race. The report added that it is not being published if the gedolim did indeed give their bracha for such an announcement, but one may “conclude” that following the three visits, Deri appears to have reached his decision.
Deri is still awaiting a decision regarding his ability to run in the race due to the moral turpitude clause of his fraud/bribery conviction that resulted in his hiatus from political life, as well as a jail term. It is being reported that Deri and his attorney have consulted with experts and he now feels confident he will be able to run since the law which determines one must remain outside of the political arena for seven years [due to the moral turpitude conviction] was only enacted after his conviction.
Actually, it was Tommy Lapid, the late Shinui Party leader, and Ophir Pines who pushed it through, adding to the five year period, aiming it specifically at Deri. Lapid, Deri’s political nemesis, did his utmost to neutralize Deri’s growing political career and widespread popularity.
Deri’s attorney has reportedly turned to the chairman of the Central Election Committee, Supreme Court Justice Eliezer Rivlin, to render a ruling on the matter to reach a final determination regarding the mayoral race. With the seven-year formula, Deri would only be clear to run in the summer of 2009, missing the municipal election by a number of months.
The entry of Deri into the chareidi political arena complicates life for Agudah candidate Rabbi Meir Porush, who has also been seeking the bracha of gedolei yisrael. Analysts are uncertain if Porush would drop out of the race if Deri officially announces his candidacy. Polls show that Deri is more likely to defeat the main opposition in the mayoral race, Councilman Nir Barkat, the non-frum candidate who enjoys widespread popularity for his efforts on behalf of the capital as an opposition councilman.
Tuesday’s daily Haaretz reports Deri’s decision is final, that he will run for mayor, adding he does enjoy the support of Rav Elyashiv.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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7 Responses
If Aguda has any sense they should state that they are leaving their Bnei-Brak mayor in violation of the agreement to unanimously support their Yerushalayim mayor. As Degel has just ruined Porush’s chance to be elected.
I have met Lupoliansky and Barakat. I had a long, wide ranging discussion with Barakat, who was gracious and interested when I brought a group of 35 young frum Jews to meet with him a few years back. Either one of them would make a good mayor, regardless of how religious either one is. Teddy Kollek, you will rmember, who was not frum, laid the foundation for all of the mosdos in the ir haatika. Lupoliansky, who is, made Yad Sarah into a world recognized leader in providing help to whoever needed it, regardless of their frumkeit.
But one thing I know. Neither Barakat or Lupoliansky has been tried and convicted of betraying the public trust and impropriety with money. More than I know who I would vote for, is who I would not vote for. No to Deri.
Given the status of Jerusalem as a revered religious City and its international significance I find it hard that a convicted felon would occupy the Mayors office and lead its diverse communities.
Am I the only one sickened by the fact that these mayoral candidates suck up to the gedolim to get their brocha? Do they think we are just sheep who will just vote for whomever a godol tells us to?
This is no better than the US politicians who reach out to the Hollywood “elite” and use them to try and get votes.
How about thinking for yourself and voting for the candidate YOU think will be the best or best represents the ideals you want.
justsomeguy, Refuah Shelamo.
Do they think we are just sheep who will just vote for whomever a godol tells us to? IN MOST CASES, YES, YES and YES.
#3 I am with you.
Why would you trust a convicted felon as mayor???????????