As Yerushalayim’s dati leumi community continues efforts to ensure the next chief rabbi of Jerusalem is aligned with its camp, there are askanim working towards promoting Rabbi Brigadier-General Avichai Ronsky, the IDF Chief Rabbi, as dati leumi candidate. He is completing his term as chief military rav in about two months.

The steering committee is set to convene on Thursday and a candidate must be chosen. Ynet reports that Ronsky’s name has come up as a viable candidate as he winds down his term in the military. Other names mentioned include Rav Shmuel Eliyahu, chief rabbi of Tzfas and Rav David Chai-Cohen, rosh yeshiva of Netivot Shalom in Bat Yam.

As part of the pre-election agreement, the dati leumi candidate will enjoy the support of Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)