Yeshiva World News

Following the motzei shabbos (eve of 19 Cheshvan 5773) Shas event in the Jerusalem Convention Center, party official Yitzchak Sudri told Israel Radio just how Shas is committed to defending the middle and lower income families and addressing social economic issues, admitting the party has its shortcomings and could have done more, planning to continue improving in the future.

Following Sudri Israel Radio interviewed Chaim Amsellem, who broke away from Shas and launched the Am Shalem Party.

Following are excerpts from Amsellem’s statements:

Never before in our history has there been a situation in which people are learning while waiting for a check to arrive in the mail. Throughout our history we have learned while proudly earning a parnasa. The current situation is not correct.

The [chareidi] parties are promoting poverty and the current reality is unacceptable. Why can’t a small child learn English and math? It is not against the Torah to do so. This is unacceptable.

While in Shas I tried pushing the same agenda, albeit quietly for in Shas one is not permitted to think or speak out. For me, the breaking point came with the discrimination in the schools in Emanuel. That is when I decided I cannot remain silent any longer.

Amsellem blasted Shas, accusing the party of know what to say but simply not doing enough and when it comes to combating discrimination against its children in Ashkenazi schools, the party capitulates and he is unwilling to accept this.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Rabbi Yisrael Rosen, a prominent figure in the dati leumi community in Eretz Yisrael, heading the Zomet Institute has turned to Shas to lead a united religious bloc in the upcoming election.

Writing in the weekly Shabbat B’Shabbato weekly Torah sheet, among the most widely distributed in Israel, Rabbi Rosen calls on Shas as the only religious party that can head such an initiative. He refers to the religious parties as “exotic gardens” that simply linger, expecting the right-wing to fall into their laps following the elections.

Based on current realities, Rabbi Rosen adds “I am afraid the right-wing parties will diminish the power of the religious parties” and he calls on Shas to act before it is too late.

Seeking to support his posit, the rabbi references to the elect for the first Knesset in which the Religious Front ran united on a single list. This bloc included Mizrachi, HaPoel Mizrachi, Agudas Yisrael and Poalei Agudas Yisrael he explains, stressing the call of the hour must surround concerns with the future character of the state. Rosen feels this is what the situation demands following the deal between Likud and Yisrael Beitenu and the fractionalization taking place in the religious and right-wing parties.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) interviewed in English with Israel Channel 2 News, an interview that is being perceived as “a blatant attempt to interfere in Israeli elections and boost the left-wing” by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Homefront Minister Avi Dichter.

Regardless of one’s political hashkafa, what cannot be ignored is the PA leader’s two-faced approach, not a new reality but a dangerous one, as was highlighted by YWN-ISRAEL last month regarding the PA leader’s Facebook page.

During a brief English interview aired in Israel, sending a message to the United States as well, the PA leader spoke of a willingness to back down from the so-called “right of return for Palestinian refugees” and the established of a Palestinian state in areas of Yehuda and Shomron while recognizing Israel in pre-1967 boundaries. “Palestine for me is the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital, this is Palestine, I am a refugee, I live in Ramallah, the West Bank and Gaza is Palestine, everything else is Israel” he stated.

Abu Mazen also labeled himself “a refugee from Tzfas”, adding that while one day he may visit, there are no plans to return to the city as a resident. He promises that for as long as he is the PA leader there will not be a third intifada.

Abu Mazen said all the right things, vowing never to return to terrorism and continuing in the future via diplomatic means.

While this sounds encouraging to some, leading to attacks against Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and his administration for not doing enough to advance the diplomatic process with Abu Mazen, but then came the Arabic language interview for the Egyptian media.

Responding to the English interview was Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, who is quoted as saying “no one has the right to make concessions” regarding the right of return, adding “Yasser Arafat was never willing to compromise on this point so he is compelled to follow that line.

Speaking to Israel Radio on Sunday 19 Cheshvan 5773 was Minister Dichter, who recently left the Kadima Party and moved to Likud, also a former director of the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet). Dichter stated that undoubtedly the English interview was an effort to boost Israel’s political left-wing ahead of the election and represents blatant interference in the local elections, in line with remarks from the head of the Yisrael Beitenu Party, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

Dichter explained the “Arabic interview was exactly the opposite of the English”, in which he stated he will never back down from the right of return.

More serious is Dichter’s assessment, warning of Abu Mazen’s waning control. He points out that negotiating a deal with him may leave Israel is a bad position since he lacks the power to actualize an agreement among his residents since he has lost the popular support he once enjoyed.

When asked about the two-state solution, Dichter stated the two-state solution that is becoming reality is one state in Yehuda and Shomron headed by Abu Mazen and another in Gaza headed by Hamas. He points out that Egypt is clearly uninterested in taking control of Gaza and Abu Mazen cannot, so in actuality there will be three states in the region and this Israeli cannot permit.

At the start of the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, 19 Cheshvan 5773, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu commented on Abu Mazen’s interview.

“I watched President Abbas’ interview over the weekend. I have heard that he has already managed to go back on his remarks. This only proves the importance of direct negotiations without pre-conditions. Only in direct negotiations will it be possible to clarify what the true positions are. Generally, I can say that if Abu Mazen is really serious and intends to advance peace, as far as I am concerned, we can sit together immediately. Jerusalem and Ramallah are only seven minutes apart; I am ready to start negotiations today. I will take this opportunity to again call on President Abbas to return to the negotiating table without pre-conditions because peace may be advanced only around the negotiating table and not via unilateral decisions in the UN General Assembly, which will only push peace further away and will only lead to instability.

“I would like to address an issue that has accompanied us for years. If you remember six months ago it was in the top headlines. I mean the question of infiltrators. October’s data shows that only 54 infiltrators crossed the border last month and they were all – without exception – placed in detention. This means that none of them reached Israel’s cities. I remind you that only six months ago over 1,000 infiltrators were entering every month and this number was increasing. On the basis of these figures, one may explicitly say that we have blocked infiltration and now we must focus – and we are doing so – on repatriating the infiltrators who are already in Israel.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

There is much speculation surrounding the “big deal” of this election, the union between Likud and Yisrael Beitenu. According to Minister of Transportation (Likud) Yisrael Katz, what compelled the union were ongoing credible rumors that the political center and left-wing were working to merge into a large bloc which would be headed by President Shimon Peres. Katz made his comments during a party election function in Ohr Yehuda.

Makor Rishon reported the minister’s words, explaining the right-wing became aware of the ongoing effort, which would have delivered a major blow. This was the impetus for the parties to unite to create a significant right-wing election bloc. Katz explained that by uniting into a large party, they hope that following elections the president will have to place the mandate of forming a coalition in their court, for the two parties represent a large voter base and “This is what today’s reality demands”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Not taking his cue from Israeli politicians, Minister of Welfare & Communications (Likud) Moshe Kahlon has announced his decision not to run in the upcoming national election under his own ticket.

The popular minister last month took the nation by surprise when he announced he was not planning to run on the Likud ticket in the election. His popularity has swelled since that announcement as he expressed his dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s economic policies. Kahlon feels the current administration has abandoned the middle and lower income sectors.

Polls conducted last week show Kahlon leading a party would earn him 13-20 seats, but Kahlon decided he is not interested in running under his own party at present, making the official announcement that he is not going to be part of the upcoming election.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

After Degel HaTorah officials decided to oust Menachem Carmel from the third place on its list, which in essence in the seventh slot on the Yahadut HaTorah list, it now appears that Rav Yisrael Kellerman, a Jerusalem councilman may receive the spot. Kellerman’s good ties with gedolim in Bnei Brak and Shaare Zedek may him the man for the job at this time when the split in the party has resulted in factions operating against one another.

According to Kikar Shabbat, the young rav is an appropriate choice at present since he is not controversial and accepted by all, the call of the hour, while known as one who is “dynamic and truly committed” to helping the tzibur at large.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

In the eyes of the media there is nothing but praise for Shas’ accomplishments, three individuals committed to their tzibur, pushing ego aside for the good of the community. However, the truth begins leaking out today as Aryeh Deri accuses the veteran leaders, those who ran the party for over the past decade of “not doing enough”.

According to Kikar Shabbos, things are not going smoothly between Deri and Ariel Atias regarding the party’s motzei shabbos event in the Jerusalem Convention Center, the official launch of the party’s election campaign in the presence of Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita. When asked to comment, both Atias and Deri aides say “no such thing occurred”, making certain to maintain the external achdus but those in the know say that tachlis, the situation is a far cry from unity.

What cannot be denied are statements made publically by Deri, accusing the leaders “of not doing enough over recent years”, promising “we will do more”. This was a clear attack to former leader Deputy Prime Minister Eli Yishai, who today shares the trio-leadership position with Deri and Atias.

When asked to comment, Deri added “if Shas was not in the government, things would be even worse.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Likud Minister of Communications & Social Welfare Moshe Kahlon is signaling that he may go it alone, launching his own party based on encouraging polls. Kahlon recently announced his resignation from Likud, explaining he will not be running for a place in the next Knesset because it is “time to move on”. He told supporters that he simply does not see eye-to-eye with government economic policies. He has since maintained a prominent place in the local media, gaining support as the underdog, a person who grew up in a poor community and extricated himself from that situation, but remaining loyal to those in a similar position today.

Kahlon is expected to make a decision in the coming days and he has already told close associates that if he runs on his own ticket, he would oppose Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s economic policies despite the close relationship they once enjoyed. Those close to Kahlon add that it is painfully clear that following the agreement between Likud and Yisrael Beitenu, to run under a combined list, the next government’s economic and social policies will be “brutal, aggressive and capitalistic.”

Interestingly, a poll conducted earlier in the week by the Rafi Smith Institute signals a party headed by Kahlon would get 20 seats. More surprising is the fact the poll adds that if Kahlon joins forces with former Kadima leader Tzipi Livni, he would earn an additional six seats.

It is unclear what direction he will take but he is without a popular political figure today, and some polls show that if he joins the Labor Party, it would earn 32 seats.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Rabbi Chaim Amsellem, who heads the Am Shalem Party told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Thursday morning that former IDF Chief of Personnel Branch Major-General (Retired) Elazar Stern has joined his party and he will receive the number two position.

The former senior officer, who sports a kippa sruga, was tenacious in his battle to end draft deferments for bnei yeshiva as well as trying to end the Hesder yeshiva program.

The news of Stern joining ranks with Amsellem, who broke away from Shas to launch his own party, has taken the political community by surprise and the news is too fresh to quote polls citing if Stern’s prominent slot on the party lineup will be viewed as a plus by Amsellem supporters.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

With the ongoing machlokes continuing in the litvish camp, the name of Rav Addis is being used in connection with the Netzach breakaway party.

On Wednesday night, the eve of 16 Cheshvan 5773, HaRav Yehuda Addis Shlita, a member of the Degel HaTorah Moetzas Gedolei HaTorah and leader of the ‘מרביצי תורה ספרדים’ told an audience in Yeshivas Kol Torah he explained he does not wish to make the decision between the גדולי עולם.

The rav expressed his surprise upon hearing his name was being associated with the elections and that he supports “a certain party”, adding “I wish to make it known that I am not connected in any way with anything to do with the elections or any party and stress that the use of my name for a certain party is unauthorized and stating I stand behind any party is a lie.”

“As I know to be the case, a minute after I speak there will already be interpretations of my words so therefore, I repeat myself word for word”, emphasizing he is apolitical and any use of the rav’s name in connection with any political party is unauthorized.

The rav continued to explain that he feels compelled to explain to bnei Torah, “that if there are two chareidi parties, there are gedolei olam on both sides” and he feels inadequate to make such a decision regarding one over another. “Certainly all bnei Torah must however find their place in one of those parties, and none other, and no one should interpret this differently than just explained.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

The head of the Ichud HaLeumi Party MK Yaakov (Ketzaleh) Katz announced that he is confident the joint list of his party and HaBayit HaYehudi will earn 15-20 seats in the upcoming election. As such, he asked that he be moved to the 7th slot his party’s roster, which translates to the 13th or 14th slot on the joint list. The most optimistic polls show the joint list earning a maximum of 10 seats, but Katz remains undeterred.

He writes on his Facebook page that when he received a bracha from Rav Mordechai Eliyahu ZT”L and other rabbonim four years ago before running he championed the flag of achdus and he continues in that direction, confident that the parties melding together will result in an unprecedented win at the polls.

Others feel that Katz is simply bowing out, aware that he will not be in Knesset since the 13th slot is unrealistic.

Katz however is not signaling anything less than total optimism, and he feels that just as he did as a commander during the Yom Kippur War he is leading by setting an example and in this case, he believes the dati leumi tzibur will respond on Election Day.

Katz also calls for the four of Ichud HaLeumi’s five positions to be assigned to Sephardim to signal total achdus in the party, adding the fifth slot should be given “to my dear friend [MK] Uri Ariel”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Yair Lapid, who heads the Yesh Atid Party on Tuesday 14 Cheshvan revealed his party platform on a number of issues to the tzibur. He announced that his party, which the polls signal will receive in the area of 15 seats, will not join any coalition that does not agree to renew the negotiating process with the PA (Palestinian Authority).

Mr. Lapid made his remarks addressing a forum in Ariel University in Shomron. He began by stating he made a point of announcing his platform in Ariel, seeking to show the significance of the community and location. He rejected the efforts of the “left-wing extremists who try to delegitimize Ariel and other communities in Yehuda and Shomron”.

Regarding the communities located in Yehuda and Shomron, he stated he believes Gush Etzion, Maale Adumim and Ariel will always remain under Israeli sovereignty, signaling a willingness to dismantle the homes of tens of thousands of families living throughout those areas. Regarding the so-called “Palestinian right of return” he stated he is opposed to such a move, in line with the current platform of Likud and Yisrael Beitenu, which are running on a joint ticket. Analysts believe it is likely that Yesh Atid would join the others in becoming a main coalition partner.

While he did not actually come out and say it, the omission of the other yishuvim signals his willingness to support a plan for settlement blocs to permit the establishment of a Palestinian state in most areas of Yehuda and Shomron, which would result in the destruction of most yishuvim and only the communities listed above would remain.

Lapid feels a Palestinian state must be created to avoid Israel becoming a “bi-national state” and he blames the current administration of “wasting four years” for failing to advance the negotiating process with the PA. “The Palestinians are a reality and perhaps we don’t like them or they don’t like us, but this is today’s reality. Netanyahu’s claim ‘we don’t have a partner’ is an effort to evade this reality.”

His comments were met with opposition among some seated in the audience who shouted out “Lapid wants to throw me out of my home”.

On the Iranian front he stated “The military option is and must remain an option, but a last resort.” Lapid feels the government is not handling the matter properly, stating “we don’t have to solve the problem of the world but we are supposed to get the world to solve it for us.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Shas’ first ladies met earlier this week deciding to begin acting to advance the Shas platform. The wives of Eli Yishai, Aryeh Deri and Ariel Atias met with the party’s First Lady, Rebitzen Yehudit Yosef, the wife of Rabbi Moshe Yosef, the youngest son of Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita.

According to a Kikar Shabbat report, they plan to establish a women’s faction of the party to work alongside the men to advance Shas platform nationwide. The women have decided to follow suit and work together as Shas is now united under Chacham Ovadia’s new achdus leadership arrangement.

On this coming motzei shabbos, the eve of 19 Cheshvan, Shas will hold its election campaign launch in Binyanei Ha’uma, the Jerusalem Convention Center. Organizers promise Maran R’ Ovadia will participate in the event, and he will deliver his weekly motzei shabbos shiur at the event as well. The launching of the campaign will follow the shiur.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

In an expected move, the Likud Central Committee on Monday 13 Cheshvan 5773 approved the agreement with Yisrael Beitenu which means the two parties will run under a joint list in the upcoming national election. According to polls, the union will net the joint party over 40 seats; putting the Likud in a position of significant power.

Prime Minister Binyamin told opponents the union will not mark the end of Likud as some fear, but it will strengthen the party and ensure in the coming government it will be able to run the nation more in line with the party line as opposed to have to compromise critical issues to maintain the coalition.

The prime minister succeeded in winning over the forum and the deal was ratified in an overwhelming majority. Mr. Netanyahu was also authorized to set the order of the party lineup which will not include Likud and Yisrael Beitenu members.

Amid talk of new party leadership, Mr. Netanyahu added, “I have heard much talk about successors but I intend to lead the nations for many years to come.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Political analysts in contact with former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert are reporting that he is not going to announce his final decision regarding a possible reentry into the political arena in Israel until knowing the outcome of the US presidential elections, Maariv reports.

They feel that if President Obama is reelected, it will significantly increase the chance of Olmert’s return since Mr. Olmert enjoys good relations with the US administration, as was seen during Operation Cast Lead. During the past years, during the current administration in Israel, relations between Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and the White House have been strained at best.

The analysts feel that if Obama is reelected he will apply enormous pressure on Netanyahu to restart talks with the PA (Palestinian Authority) and this would be the perfect segue for him to make his reentry into the political arena, on the backdrop of increasingly strained Israel/US relations. Olmert would be perceived as the great hope for finally reaching a true agreement with the PA, with former Kadima leader Tzipi Livni at his side, a foreign minister who also enjoyed a warm reception from leaders in the American and European communities.

Olmert is also waiting for a definitive response from Livni, who has not announced if she is willing to take the number two slot on his list.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)