There is ongoing contact between officials in the Tov Party and Shas, Kikar Shabbat reports. The report states that a recent poll reveals that 38% of the chareidi tzibur identifies with the principles of Tov, also known as the �new chareidim�.

Kikar quotes Tov officials confirming ongoing meetings, but protecting the identity of Shas officials involved for obvious reasons. They are quoted as adding �At least in Shas they do not belittle us, and there is a genuine interest in working together for the greater good.�

The report adds there has been ongoing dialogue with �senior officials in a number of chassidic courts, for they are disappointed with Yahadut Hatorah and see a possibility of working with Tov.�

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)