Weekly Highlights From Israeli Haredi Community and Political Scenes Revealed by Zofnik
The weekly column 'Zofnik' on Kikar HaShabbat offers a wide-ranging glimpse into recent events and personalities within the Israeli Haredi community and political arena. Among the key revelations is that a deputy mayor in a Haredi city is at risk of losing his salary due to a coalition agreement transferring his pay to a non-Haredi council member. Discussions behind the scenes hinted at a possible continuation of his salary if he guarantees support to the mayor in upcoming elections, though chances appear slim.
In health news, a prominent yeshiva supervisor was secretly hospitalized following a heart attack but has since returned to delivering lectures. The column also captured Rabbi Shalom Ber Sorotzkin meeting the Belz Rebbe at a New Jersey beach, just before a widely covered exclusive interview. Political commentator Yishai Cohen was seen preparing for a controversial interview with Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, while MK Avigdor Lieberman humorously showcased a "The Boss" sign in his Knesset office, possibly sending a message to Deri.
Zofnik accompanied Cohen on a visit to Hezbollah tunnels in southern Lebanon, now under Israeli control. The column also highlights cultural and religious moments, including prayers at the Western Wall by singer Midad Tasa, and various Haredi media personalities attending a historic conference of Haredi journalists in Jerusalem. Notable figures such as Rabbi Nachman Alter, son of the Gur Rebbe, were seen during a fundraising trip in Poland, and the pilot who flew the Gur Hasidim requested to wear a traditional head covering.
The report covers political developments, including consultations among Shas and United Torah Judaism members over legislation affecting Torah scholars, and captures moments from Knesset debates involving key ministers and MKs. It also documents social and cultural events, such as the inauguration of a Torah scroll by businessman Yaki Reisner and celebrations of family milestones among journalists and public figures.
The column concludes with a list of the five most viewed articles on Kikar HaShabbat, ranging from military and security issues to a mourning announcement for fallen IDF officer Eitan Israel Kantman in the settlement of Neria.