Shas Council of Torah Sages Forbids Arie Deri From Resigning

The Council of Torah Sages of the Shas party on Wednesday rejected a request by movement chairman Arie Deri to step down from his position, instructing him to continue serving. In their decision, the council praised Deri's work over the years and his contribution to establishing the Sephardic Torah world. "The Council of Torah Sages strengthens the hands of the movement's chairman, Rabbi Arie Deri, and forbids him from leaving his position in the movement," the decision stated. The council members added that they are confident Deri will obey their directive, stating, "And he is strongly bound to do the will of the sages as always."

The council also addressed the status of Torah students, resolving that Shas will act by all means to regulate it and stop what they defined as their "persecution." The council members emphasized that Deri's leadership is needed during the current period, calling him "the most experienced general," and clarified that he cannot resign in the midst of a campaign. Additionally, the council congratulated the movement's 300,000 voters, according to the figure cited in their decision, and called on Shas representatives to continue working for the Torah world and Judaism.

The Council of Torah Sages also discussed the situation of the Haredi public and the struggle over the status of Torah students. They stated that "at a time when Torah students are groaning under the burden of decrees in the midst of battle and crying out for salvation, and all the inhabitants of the Land of Israel are in immense spiritual danger regarding fundamental matters of faith, the most experienced general is required to lead the campaign." The council members stressed that precisely at this time, Deri must not be allowed to leave the movement's leadership, adding, "When going into battle, there is no possibility of turning back in the middle."

The council members also noted that Shas plays a central role in preserving tradition and establishing Sephardic Torah institutions, highlighting Deri's part in fulfilling the vision of the movement's founder, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. At the end of the letter, they called to continue activities despite difficulties: "We are commanded to trust in the Creator of the world and to continue to do all that is in our power and not to flinch from any temporary difficulty." The council members concluded with a blessing for Deri, wishing him strength to continue his role and success in his endeavors.