Shas party leader Aryeh Deri has his work cut out for him as the most optimistic of polls show him in single digits. Kikar Shabbos is reporting that Deri has been holding secret meetings with representatives of the ‘working chareidim who would prefer casting their votes for a chareidi party but do not feel too welcome in Yahadut Hatorah.

According to the report, some 10 representatives of the working chareidim, most Sephardim, claiming to represent the working chareidim, met with Deri in his office in the Har Chotzvim area of the capital on Monday evening, 27 Teves. The visitors expressed their concerns pertaining to political representation and which party will work to find them jobs and push for reverse discrimination to give them a fair chance in the workplace.

Deri dedicated close to two hours to persuade to the delegation and address the questions posed to him. The delegation did not give a response. Shas officials are quick to point out this deals mostly with Sephardim, not wishing to compete with Yahadut Hatorah.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)