Yeshiva World News

The big winner in the Likud primary election was Education Minister Gideon Saar, who earned the most votes. For residents of Yehuda and Shomron and supporters elsewhere, the big news is that finally, after being ousted by dirty internal politics in the past, Moshe Feiglin has earned a realistic spot and is expected to be an MK in the next government.

The party has clearly moved towards the political right-wing, resulting in Labor Party leader Shelly Yacimovich calling Likud “radical”. In actuality, the party moved in the direction of its political revisionist roots.

The first ten in the party lineup are;

1. Binyamin Netanyahu

2. Gideon Saar

3. Gilad Erdan

4. Silvan Shalom

5. Yisrael Katz

6. Danny Danon

7. Reuven Rivlin

8. Moshe Ya’alon

9. Ze’ev Elkin

10. Tzipi Chotovely

Those emerging without smiles on their faces include party notables who did not earn a realistic slot include Ministers Binyamin Begin, Avi Dichter, Michael Eitan and Dan Meridor.

Feiglin is in the 15th position so barring any major surprises; he should be an MK in the next Knesset.

The 11th to 20th slots as follows:

11. Yariv Levin

12. Yuli Edelstein

13. Chaim Katz

14. Miri Regev

15. Moshe Feiglin

16. Yuval Steinitz

17. Tzachi Hanegbi

18. Limor Livnat

19. Ofir Akonis

20. Gila Gamliel

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

It’s now official and Beit Shemesh political activist Rabbi Dov Lipman is on the Yesh Atid ticket, the new party headed by Yair Lapid.

On his Facebook page Lipman posted a message addressing his decision to officially come onboard the Yesh Atid list, writing “I am proud and excited to share with you that Yair Lapid asked me to join his list for the upcoming 19th Knesset. I of course agreed.

In recent years I have seen and notices problems in our society, including the split between sectors, growing extremism, inequality and injustice. As an educator, I am sorrow to see the direction our education system is taking. As such, I have decided to give it my all towards improving the nation. I have selected the party with a goal to address and try solving these issues.”

Lipman goes on to explain he has met with others on the list in recent weeks and finds the caliber of people to be impressive, people who have devoted their lives to aspects of society including defense and education. He feels that since there are people on the list from different backgrounds it will be beneficial and he is proud to be a member of this team.

“I thank G-d for this opportunity to serve the State of Israel and the Jewish People. I’m giving it my all in the campaign to bring the reality in which we work and fix all the broken pieces closest to my heart, the way to create a reality in which were are one – unified.”

Lipman gained national prominence during last year’s controversy surrounding a girl’s school in Beit Shemesh which became a target for chareidi extremists.

Rabbi Lipman is a graduate of both Yeshivas Ner Yisrael and John Hopkins.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

When polls opened on Sunday 11 Kislev 5773 for the Likud Party’s primary elections, there were reports of “minor computer glitches” in the new computerized polling system. Seeking to facilitate the process and eliminate foul play, Likud hired the services of the Aman Company, which set up the nationwide polling system for the election.

As the morning hours advanced it became increasingly clear that the minor glitches were widespread, and later in the day there were reports of major system failure. The word most commonly heard to describe the new computerized system was “farce”. By the time polls closed at 22:00, Likud officials reported 51% of eligible party members voted. Hundreds if not thousands of the eligible voters were unable to cast their ballots due to system failure. There were hundreds of stories of Likud members traveling from one polling station to another, only to learn the computerized system was malfunctioning nationwide.

The party’s Central Election Committee met at 22:00 to discuss how to proceed, deciding to offer another day of voting today, Monday 12 Kislev. Fifty polling stations will operate today from 11:00-21:00 to permit Likud members unable to vote on Sunday to do so today.

Likud officials add they are contemplating a major lawsuit against the Aman Company, whose system simple failed miserably despite promises it would eliminate the need for hand ballots as was done in past years. Senior Aman official Tzvika Raz blamed the system wide failure of hackers. Likud technical officials however rejected the hackers excuse, explaining the company failed to allot sufficient bandwidth for the voting system, resulting in the crash.

While the results of Sunday’s vote are not being revealed, officials have leaked to the media that the party’s top 10 slots have already been determined.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

According to media reports, Tzipi Livni on Tuesday 13 Kislev 5773 is expected to announce she return to the political arena, competing in the upcoming general election in a new party. Most reports signal that party will include former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert but there is disagreement on this point since Olmert’s intentions have not yet been declared by the former prime minister.

Labor Party leader Shelly Yacimovich is trying to persuade Livni to abandon the idea of a new party, pressuring her to join Labor. According to Yediot Achronot, Yacimovich is willing to use a special clause in the party’s charter permitting the party leader to secure a slot somewhere in the top ten for a candidate, in this case Livni.

Yediot states Livni is offered the guaranteed second slot, and if Labor is successful and builds the next coalition, Livni would serve as foreign minister and head “all negotiations” handled by the new government.

If she opts to run in a new party, polls show Livni will not earn more than 10 seats. Nevertheless, Livni now feels that the disappointment of the public at large surrounding Operation Pillar of Defense will add to her popularity among voters.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

A meeting was held last week in the home of Yehoshua Pollack, a leader in Shomrei Emunim as Agudas Yisrael prepares itself for general elections in Shevat.

Competing against Gur and Vishnitz, as well as Shomrei Emunim, Yisrael Eichler (Belz) is aware his chance of earning a high position on the joint Agudas Yisrael / Degel HaTorah (Yahadut HaTorah) ticket are not particularly high and therefore, Belz is seeking to lock Eichler’s position ahead of time.

It is too soon for the lineup to be locked in, yet alone agreed upon by the factions, but the meeting last week signals the coming weeks may become turbulent and the Central Party, Belz, and Shomrei Emunim vie for position in the upcoming election.

It is being reported that in light of the pressing issues facing the chareidi tzibur, Meir Porush and Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman are putting their differences aside and will be cooperating with one another for the good of the chareidi tzibur at large in the upcoming election.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

While Shas’ unity kept the party in the headlines for a few days, the media event has passed and the party is falling in the polls. According to a Magar Mochot poll conducted for the Mishal Cham program, Shas has dropped to 13 seats while Yahadut HaTorah is holding at 6.

Likud has dropped to 38, down from 41 a week ago and Labor is also down, to 19. Livni received 9 seats if she runs alone in a new party and HaBayit HaYehudi also receives 9. Yesh Atid, Yair Lapid’s party has lost support, earning 4 seats instead of 10 last week. Rabbi Amsellem’s party however is up to 4 seats as Ehud Barak’s Atzma’ut Party 3.

This shows Likud is down following Operation Pillar of Defense while Defense Minister Ehud Barak has gained in the popularity polls along with Bayit HaYehudi. Amsellem on the other hand continues showing a slow but steady increase.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Yahadut HaTorah MKs Moshe Gafne and Yaakov Litzman went on the offensive on Tuesday, launching attacks against Aryeh Deri and Yair Lapid as the election campaigning in Israel is well underway.

“If Yair Lapid’s campaign against chareidim includes the community’s failure to serve in the IDF we will remind the tzibur of Lapid’s army service” stated Litzman. Lapid served as a reporter for the IDF BaMachane Magazine.

Gafne added “The head of Yesh Atid, Lapid, is suited to be the donkey carrying the load for Binyamin Netanyahu.”

Also in their sights was Shas co-leader Aryeh Deri. According to Litzman, if Yahadut HaTorah and Shas enter the coalition together, Shas will seek the finance minister portfolio for Deri or Yishai.

Gafne added that “members of Yahadut HaTorah have never been suspected of or convicted of criminal activity”. Speaking to Yisrael HaYom, Gafne stated “Who says I was speaking about Deri? Perhaps I was making reference to Olmert”.

When asked to comment on the allegations of discrimination against Sephardi girls in Ashkenazi yeshivos, Gafne added “There is no room and it is as simple as that. The reason is the places [for the Sephardi girls] are taken by the children from the senior Shas officials.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is scheduled to return to Eretz Yisrael on Wednesday 29 Cheshvan 5773. Persons close to the former prime minister report that while he has not stated so in plain words, he has been signaling a return to the political arena. Olmert is expected to meet with Tzipi Livni shortly following his return, as the two may be running together in the hope of bringing other prominent names to their list to compete with the Likud/Yisrael Beitenu joint election list.

Kadima MKs who are close to Olmert confirm that they are under the impression Mr. Olmert will announce his return to politics in the coming days.

Olmert is also expected to meet with Shaul Mofaz, the current Kadima leader and former MK Chaim Ramon, who was among the senior defectors from the Labor Party moving to Kadima but he has since resigned from Knesset.

Yisrael HaYom reports that Olmert will tell Mofaz that he prefers to return to Kadima rather than running under another name, expecting Mofaz to acquiesce and hand over the party leadership to Olmert, who was compelled to resign as prime minister amid mounting charges of criminal activities.

Close associates to Livni however tell of different news, explaining she has already decided but refrained from publicizing her decision out of respect for Olmert. They explain that Livni has decided not to run for a spot in the next Knesset.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Channel 10 News’ Raviv Drucker reported that the Am Shalem Party of Rav Chaim Amsellem cannot run in the upcoming general elections because the party was not registered with the Central Election Committee as required. The report cited that Amsellem failed to register his part as required by law and it is therefore disqualified.

Amsellem did not take too long to respond, announcing that if need be, he will use the Achiezer Party name to run, for the latter is indeed registered. He referred to the party that was established a number of years ago by Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu ZT”L.

A statement released by Am Shalem added “In light of the rumors being spread by interested parties, apparently Shas, that Am Shalem was not properly registered and therefore accepting donations illegally, Am Shalem operates on its official party name, Achiezer, which is registered”.

“Regarding donations to Am Shalem, no monies have been accepted in contradiction to the law as the party operates under the watchful eye of attorney Dr. Aviad Cohen. All party activities to date have been funded by Rabbi Amsellem privately.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

According to a Ynet report filed by Akiva Novak, a vandalism attack against the vehicle of Nesher Deputy Mayor Shimon Zohar is connected to Shas in-fighting between the Deri and Yishai camps. Zohar is the head of the Shas election campaign in his municipality and is close to Shas co-leader Eli Yishai. Novak explains the reason his vehicle was targeted over the weekend was his refusal to handover the local election responsibilities to someone affiliated with the Deri camp. Deputy Mayor Zohar filed an official police complaint on motzei shabbos.

Zohar is quoted telling Ynet “It is entirely possible that I am a thorn to certain elements and it is all about politics. They vandalized my vehicle to interfere with my work. I understand that this is a warning sign from them.”

The damage to the vehicle is reportedly quite significant. Shas officials confirm they have been efforts to place the head of the local religious council [who is a Deri supporter] on the local election team as part of the new unity leadership arrangement.

Officials in Minister Yishai’s office did not respond. Deri’s staff denied any connection to acts of vandalism, adding “Mr. Zohar was, is and remains the head of the local election campaign for Shas and there are no plans to replace him.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

One might connect Menachem Carmel’s quiet profile over the last week or two with the boycott of his Heichal Malchus Hall in Bnei Brak, which apparently has been effective, the result of his rebellious actions as viewed by rabbonim in Bnei Brak.

It is now reported that Carmel has been declining media interviews as he continues behind the scenes talks to find his way back into the community’s favor, perhaps even towards abandoning the HaPeles newspaper to take a place back at the Degel HaTorah table.

If the deal that is in the works is agreed upon, Carmel will stop advertising in HaPeles, in line with HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky’s Shlita instructions, and a letter will be distributed to the tzibur ending the economic sanctions against him.

Some skeptical individuals believe no such thing is about to happen, explaining Carmel is simply playing the game wisely towards ending the sanctions against him.

There is also speculation the deal may even lead to Carmel finding a slot on the Degel HaTorah list, perhaps to deliver a blow to the rebel Yerushalmim faction and their Netzach Party.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, convened his forum of 9 ministers to discuss the possibility of the PA (Palestinian Authority) turning to the United Nations General Assembly seeking observer nation status.

The daily Yisrael HaYom quotes a “senior political source” as confirming a decision was not reached as to how Israel will react to such a move, but it was decided that if the PA acts unilaterally, Israel will respond unilaterally as well.

Israel will first seek to persuade allied nations not to approve such a move based on the fact it will do more harm than good. Israel is aware that if the matter is brought to the General Assembly, the PA will have a majority and such a reality will compel a harsh Israeli response.

A number of possible reactions were discussed, including adopting the Edmond Levy Settlement Report, but a final decision will most likely be made by the prime minister.

Former Supreme Court Justice Edmond Levy headed the committee of legal experts that delved into the issue of the yishuvim throughout Yehuda and Shomron and they status according to international law, recommending the state legalize many of the communities that are classified as outposts today.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Aryeh Deri, who enjoyed considerable popularity with the Arab sector before breaking from politics over a decade ago, is now working to return to the days of yesteryear.

On Tuesday night the eve of 22 Cheshvan 5773, Deri took part in a Shas election event in Tiveria, appearing without co-leader Eli Yishai. It was Deri’s first address since assuming the co-leadership of the party along with Yishai and Ariel Atias for he did not speak on motzei shabbos when Shas launched its election campaign in a Jerusalem Convention Center event.

During the Tiveria hotel event Deri explained how he plans to look out for the Arabs as well as Jews, a comment that received a round of applause. He spoke of how they live in Israel, a Jewish country, and fall between the cracks and he intends to address this community’s needs as well. “We hope to be able to assist you just as we assist others” Deri explained.

Ynet’s Akiva Novak posits that Deri held the event without Yishai towards sending the subliminal message that he is once again the party leader. While Deri was electioneering, Yishai was meeting with the prime minister to discuss the matter of illegal aliens from Africa entering the country via Sinai.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Naftali Bennett emerged as the new leader of the dati leumi political community, now heading the Bayit HaYehudi Party. His win was a significant one, marking a new generation of leadership and a break from the traditional National Religious Party old guard. Bennett won with over 70% of the vote against MK Zevulun Orlev, a veteran MK who was backed by outgoing party leader Minister Rabbi Prof. Daniel Hershkowitz.

Bennett represents the new generation and the new guard if you will, sending a message to the dati leumi community’ veteran’s leaders as well, as his name is synonymous with elite IDF units and the high tech world, not the hesder yeshiva torani world that was more in line with the old guard.

Bennett announced that he plans to telephone Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to express his desire to mend fences and maintain a good working relationship as he sees the party as being “a natural coalition with Likud following the elections.”

Leading dati leumi posek Rabbi Shlomo Aviner called on the dati leumi tzibur at large to express its hakarat hatov for Orlev’s years of service to the community. Orlev indicated that if he does not win the leadership race he would retire from Knesset.

Speaking to Israel Radio on Wednesday, Rabbi Chaim Druckman, a prominent senior rav in the dati leumi community expressed his total satisfaction over the fact the leadership was chosen in a democratic election, citing the fact that the dati leumi party has grown to over 50,000 registered members, adding to his optimism that the HaBayit HaYehudi will emerge in a big way following the national election.

Shas co-leader Aryeh Deri phoned Bennett to congratulate him and the two agreed to meet towards working together, realizing the need for cooperation towards maintaining the Jewish character of the nation in the new government.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Shas co-leader Aryeh Deri is aware that for many Chabadnikim, Shas is a non-starter in the upcoming election following his return, as he is viewed as being responsible for persuading Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita to support the Oslo Agreement of 1995, which resulted in the agreement being approved in Knesset.

Known for his centrist/left-wing views Deri is not favored among Lubavitcher chassidim for they follow the Rebbe’s ZT”L adamant opposition to relinquishing any portions of Eretz Yisrael. While Shas was under the leadership of Eli Yishai, a more hawkish politician, there was a considerable number of Chabadnikim that voted for Shas but with Deri’s return, this is highly unlikely.

Not willing to accept the loss of the Chabad votes, Deri sought a meeting with HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Ashkenazi Shlita, mora d’asra of Kfar Chabad and Av Beis Din Chabad in Eretz Yisrael.

That meeting took place in Kfar Chabad close to 23:00 on Monday night, the eve of 21 Cheshvan 5773, lasting for about 20 minutes during which Deri reportedly explained historical facts to the rav, quoted as saying he was opposed to the Oslo Agreement.

Ladaat quotes Deri as adding “I did not come here to ask for your support, but I wished to be heard, to state the truth and present the facts.

The rabbonim present did not indicate if they will support Shas or not.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

The 54,000 registered members of HaBayit HaYehudi on Tuesday may elect to exercise their right to vote for the next party leader. There are 168 polling stations nationwide that will be open for seven hours.

What is known in advance of the vote is that current party leader Science Minister Rabbi Prof. Daniel Hershkowitz will not be the new leader and the race is between Naftali Bennett and Zevulun Orlev.

The candidates are busy using the electronic media and social networks to win over voters while persuading them to get out and vote. Polls will be operating from 15:00 to 22:00.

Special accommodations have been made for yeshiva students, including Yeshivot Hesder, to permit them to vote in their area and not lose time from learning. The results are expected on Wednesday morning.

Orlev is from the old guard of the National Religious Party while Bennett is considerably younger. Orlev is more set on maintaining a dati leumi party while Bennett favors widening the party’s support base to include non-religious right-wingers too.

SOME STATS:

Orlev:

66, married with four children. He resides in Yerushalayim and is leadership bid is backed by current leader Rabbi Hershkowitz. If he fails in this bid he plans to retire from Knesset. In the past he has served as director-general of the Ministries of Education and Religious Affairs. He served as a MK for 13 years. He maintains good relations with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

Bennett:

40, married with four children. He resides in Ra’anana. His leadership bid is backed by party MK Uri Orbach. He served as an officer in Sayeret Matkal and commander in the elite Maglan unit. At the age of 26 he co-founded a high tech company that was sold for $145 million seven years later. When Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was head of the opposition, Bennett headed his election campaign. He was the director-general of the Settlement Council and waged an unrelenting war against the construction freeze in yishuvim. He and the prime minister are not on the best of terms.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

In the daily Yated Ne’eman, which is delivered to thousands of homes in chareidi neighborhoods for free on Tuesdays, addresses the break-away faction of Degel HaTorah known as the “Yerushalmim faction” which has launched the Netzach Party.

The scathing attack against the Yerushalmim addresses “others in the past who broke away from the derech of gedolei yisrael to pursue personal interests and they are the biggest danger to the future the Torah community.”

The article also takes a break from the attack to address the agreement signed between Likud and Yisrael Beitenu, making it crystal clear that these parties are not to be perceived as “natural [coalition] partners” for the chareidi tzibur, and the tzibur will stand firm against any and all efforts to uproot Torah yiddishkheit.

“Anyone who believes that Binyamin Netanyahu will do what it takes to bring the chareidim in as partners errs.”

The column continues lauding the Degel HaTorah, “which adheres to directives from gedolei yisrael shlita” and its leaders are proud to continue doing so while representing the tzibur at large, stressing that supporting Degel was a the community’s insurance policy for continuing with the chareidi way of life, protecting the community from the dangers that lurk in the secular society.

The Yerushalmim are attacked for daring to target the very same shluchim of Degel who are being moser nefesh in their ongoing efforts towards advancing the agenda of gedolei yisrael and their actions are tantamount to the destruction of the Torah world.

Most likely the response will appear in the coming days in the daily HaPeles.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

The HaPeles newspaper last week carried an interview with HaRav Tzvi Friedman Shlita, a member of the newspaper’s Vaad Ruchniyus and a Torah authority who gave the green light for the launching of the Netzach Party.

The rav addressed the actions of Maran Rav Shach ZT”L as we marked the gadol hador’s yahrzeit, emphasizing the late posek’s total unparalleled concern for everyone.

“He was truly concerned with kovod Shomayim and had no tolerance for compromising Hashem’s kovod or kovod HaTorah.”

Rabbi Friedman was asked to explain why Rav Shach did not permit the forming of a left-wing government even after receiving the necessary promises for the yeshivos and Torah community.

RABBI FRIEDMAN:

Among the left-wing camp are people who display true anti-Semitism but there was an additional reason why he preferred a right-wing government. He felt there are those simple Jews that if they hear a prime minister speaking about issues pertaining to yiddishkheit, it would bring them closer.

During the first years following the establishment of the state, the Chazon Ish ZT”L supported a party despite the fact it was known this party would not pass the minimum threshold to enter into Knesset. When they tried to persuade him to back another party he refused, as was the case with Rav Shach in tens and hundreds of similar cases.

The difference between us and Neturei Karta is on the practical level.

Regarding Rav Shach’s hashkafa, those who seek to explain and those who wished to be lenient were outside of the acceptable norm for us, to prevent them from taking a foothold or have any cooperation with them. Rav Shach did not hold from the Zionist state and had no common ground with it.

We must sharpen the point that the difference between us and Neturei Karta is only on the practical level but there is absolutely no difference between our hashkofos.

As far as the newspaper HaPeles, the editors are prohibited to praise or elevate the actions of the secular tzibur or the members of the kippa sruga community. We must place a separation between us and them. They are there and we are here. Those commentators must be met with a stern uncompromising sharp response and we mustn’t turn a blind eye [to their words].

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)