Former Rishon L�Tzion Rabbi Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron is one of the dozens of Sephardi rabbonim shlita who signed a letter expressing their support and backing for the Shas party Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael headed by HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen Shlita.

Rabbi Bakshi-Doron feels the need to issue a clarification that his endorsement is for the rabbinical body but should not be interpreted as support for any political party over another.

The rav�s name is the first on the declaration. Aides to the former Rishon L�Tzion are angered, Kikar Shabbos reports, explaining the rav was not informed the declaration would be used in an election campaign for Shas.

The rav�s aides add that when first ask to sign he refused, explaining he does not get involved in politics. An askan who is close to Rabbi Bakshi-Doron was sent to persuade him, assuring him the declaration was a �torani statement� and nothing more. This has already proven not to be the case as the media is carrying the endorsement as an endorsement for Shas against Eli Yishai.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)