Housing Minister (Bayit Yehudi) Uri Ariel on Sunday 28 Kislev 5774 met with Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef in the rav’s office. On the agenda is the recent wave of problematic legislation dealing with religious services in Israel, particularly the latest bill presented by MK (The Movement) Elazar Stern. Stern’s latest bill calls for eliminate the post of two chief rabbis for cities in Israel, to be replaced with one slot for a ten-year term.

Rabbi Yosef expressed serious concerns and called on Ariel to act to prevent the destruction of the state’s religious services.

Ariel is quoted telling the rav that he is equally concerned. Ariel was quite adamant in his opposition to Stern’s latest bill. In addition, party colleague Minister Uri Orbach stated the party will use its veto authority to block the bill from becoming law.

Ariel told the Rishon L’Tzion his party is working to preserve the religious status quo and not chas v’sholom to compromise these essential religious services.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)