As expected, the Monday night Gerrer Chassidus election rally in Yerushalayim, in the presence of the Rebbe Shlita, was well attended. It was originally scheduled to be held in the Gur Beis Medresh on Ralbach Street but it was moved to the Gur Seminary.
 
Rav Yaakov Lazerson, head of Chinuch Atzmai, opened the kenos, explaining the most difficult situation facing the chareidi education network and the increasing difficulties in securing budgets and donations.
 
The kol korei of the Rebbe Shlita was read aloud, instructing the tzibur to vote “Gimme” on Election Day, Yahadut HaTorah.
 
Rav Yaakov Litzman discussed the difficult situation in Eretz Yisrael and abroad, mentioning many givirim have lost their wealth and mosdos torah today are in a most difficult situation. He added efforts are continuous towards increasing government budgets for mosdos torah. Litzman stated that following the Gaza War, the budgetary situation is even more difficult and as such, obtaining funds for mosdos torah is an increasingly complicated task.

Litzman discussed the coalition talks that took place towards joining a coalition headed by Tzipi Livni of Kadima, stating the talks collapsed over the issue of negotiations regarding the future of Yerushalayim. He explained he tried to obtain a guarantee from Kadima, but Livni was unwilling to accommodate, stating this prompted Yahadut HaTorah to move with Shas, adding this must be the future as well, one of cooperation. He expressed his support for a political bloc. 
 
“After all, we have common goals, monthly stipends, housing, employment and more. We have the same goals so working together will lead to success”.
 
Regarding the disengagement, Litzman stated Yahadut HaTorah was opposed and worked against it, stressing this is why a strong Yahadut HaTorah is needed, calling on everyone to exhibit achdus and to promote the party’s agenda around the country.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)