(VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Beginning with the tefilla of the Kohen Gadol when he completes his Avoda of Yom Kippur, in her inaugural address, Beit Shemesh Mayor Dr. Aliza Bloch exhibits a respect for the city’s Chief Rabbi, former mayors, members of the city council, activists who assisted in her election and the residents of the city, as well as all of the residents. She spoke for ten minutes, during which she strived to demarcate the beginning of her tenure, a new period in the city’s history, one that she will be accompanied by achdus, however aware there are those who do not agree with her opinions.

Bloch stresses the need for maintaining a working relationship of mutual respect despite difference of opinion, and only time will tell if her efforts will succeed. She admits that the efforts to build a coalition are testimony to the complexities of the city, the different populations living together, both religious and secular, as well as dati leumi and chareidi; however, she stresses “not everyone will be happy with every decision”, and “we must show strength by compromising” from time to time towards quality of life and continuing to build the Beit Shemesh of tomorrow.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)