Shas Leaders Visit Deri After Election Loss Amidst Internal Criticism
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Following Shas's electoral setback, rabbis visited chairman Arie Deri to encourage him to remain in his position, despite his reported decision to resign. Senior spiritual leaders, however, criticized the effort as "ridiculous" and affirmed Deri's support. The party achieved a result enabling it to advance its agenda.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbis visited Shas Chairman Arie Deri to convince him to stay after an electoral loss.
- Deri reportedly decided to resign, but a senior official denied he would step down.
- Senior spiritual leaders called the support efforts "ridiculous" and questioned their purpose.
- The party achieved a sufficient election result to advance its agenda, leaders stated.
- Deri has the complete backing of the entire spiritual leadership, according to sources.
Following Shas's electoral defeat, several prominent rabbis visited the movement's chairman, Arie Deri, at his home on Thursday. Among them were Rabbi Yehuda Cohen, a member of the Council of Torah Sages, Chief Rabbi David Yosef, and Rabbi Avraham Salim, also a Council member, along with Rabbi Shimon Bezalel. The visit aimed to strengthen Deri and persuade him to continue leading the Shas movement. Deri had reportedly been isolating himself at home, telling close associates and family that he had decided to step down as chairman. In response, efforts were made to gather rabbis and activists to convince him to reverse his decision. Despite reports of his intention to resign, a senior Shas official stated, "Deri will not resign."
However, not all spiritual leaders within Shas are enthusiastic about the show of support. Senior figures in the spiritual leadership told B'hadrei Haredim that they do not expect Rabbi Moshe Maya and Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef to participate in the visits to Deri's home. These leaders commented, "Arie Deri is a strong man who has been through a thing or two in his life. He can strengthen us, not the other way around. This whole pilgrimage festival and 'strengthening' is ridiculous." They added, "Shas achieved a sufficient result that will allow it to do everything necessary to advance the party and take care of its voters. Arie Deri has the complete backing of the entire spiritual leadership, without exception, and he knows it well."
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