Speaking on Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Tuesday morning, Minister of Housing (Shas) Ariel Atias expressed his disappointment with the party’s silence during the Emanuel affair, telling host Niv Raskin that it is known that discrimination against Sephardim is a part of life in the chareidi Ashkenazi school system. He confirmed that there is discrimination in Emanuel, sorrowfully adding this is something that will not disappear in the immediate future.

He decried the High Court’s ruling, explaining the point is to end discrimination, and the court has done nothing towards achieving this goal. The minister defended Maran Rav Ovadia Yosef Shlita and the Gadol HaDor’s harsh statements against the Supreme Court. He rejected the involvement of the High Court in the case.

Regarding Emanuel however, he rejects the statements of some the Ashkenazi parents in the school who insist some of the parents involved are not frum. He stated not only are they shomer shabbat, they are chareidi. They wish to learn in Chinuch Atzmai and they are entitled to do so.

RASKIN: I think the big winner here is Aryeh Deri as Shas comes under much criticism.

ATIAS: I don’t think there are any big winners. Deri gave a great deal to Shas and I for one believe his place is still in the party’s leadership.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)