A meeting was held in Meah Shearim at the home of Rav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv Shlita, during which he reiterated his position regarding Chinuch Atzmai issues. Maran Elyashiv stated that final decision would be made by the Gerrer Rebbe Shlita and in these matters, the Rebbe has the final say.

Behind the scenes is the matter of launching a new non-profit towards assisting Chinuch Atzmai. A number of months ago, a person loyal to Maran Elyashiv [who does not reside in Yerushalayim] approached the gadol hador and requested his approval for the letter drafted — the letter to be sent to the Registrar of Non-Profits to launch the new organization. At the time, Rav Elyashiv asked if the Gerrer Rebbe is aware of and approves of the concept and the letter. Maran Elyashiv was informed this was the case and the matter enjoyed the support of the Admor Shlita.

Earlier in the week, Maran Rav Elyashiv Shlita learned this was not so and when the letter was presented to him, he was not given a complete picture and his decision was based on missing and erroneous information.

According to a Chadrei Chadarim report, sources in Degel HaTorah stated this person will be the “big loser in the Yerushalayim election because he was exposed without his clothes before Rav Elyashiv”.

The chareidi media reports Rav Elyashiv will not support Rav Meir Porush’s mayoral bid but it is being reported that Maran Rav Elyashiv stated he does not connect Chinuch Atzmai with the Jerusalem mayoral race. Nevertheless, a letter of endorsement for Rav Porush is not expected. Those familiar with the internal politics report “there is no great love between the Meah Shearim home of the gadol hador and the veteran Yerushalmi family”. One must remember that the wounds from the Betar elections have not yet healed.

It is expected that a letter of endorsement for Rav Porush will be circulated, but it will be signed by Rav Yosef Efrati only, not by Rav Elyashiv. The letter will also be general, instructing the Shomer Shabbos world to vote for the frum candidate in any election in any city in Eretz Yisrael. Porush’s name will not be mentioned.

It is pointed out that it is not within the realm if practicality and other issues for chareidim to turn their backs on the only chareidi mayoral candidate, which would result in a de facto victory for a secular candidate.

Some feel that such a cold and impersonal letter may not be enough to bring out the Degel HaTorah voters to cast their ballot for Porush. In addition, one must remember the anger against him in the Gerrer camp. Together, it is difficult to know if Porush will indeed actualize his dream as serving as the mayor of the Holy City.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)