A kenos to express hakoras hatov was held by Degel Hatorah in Beit Shemesh after the party�s support from the city grew by 73%, to 8,300 votes in the general election. Some of the party�s MKs were in attendance.

Councilman Rav Moshe Muntag, who heads the city�s building and planning committee told participants �this is just the beginning�, explaining many new homes are in the construction and planning stages, so the Torah tzibur will continue growing.

MK Moshe Gafne praised the party�s representatives in the city, calling them a personal example for others in different communities around Eretz Yisrael. MK Uri Maklev stated �the people have spoken� and their choice was evident, stating it is important to remember that over 500,000 people voted for a chareidi party. MK Asher stressed the importance of working together, the MKs on the national level with chareidi elected officials in communities around the country.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)