Lubavitchers in Israel Balk at Voting for Shas
Shas co-leader Aryeh Deri is aware that for many Chabadnikim, Shas is a non-starter in the upcoming election following his return, as he is viewed as being responsible for persuading Rabbi Ovadia Yosef to support the Oslo Agreement of 1995, which resulted in the agreement being approved in Knesset.
Known for his centrist/left-wing views, Deri is not favored among Lubavitcher chassidim for they follow the Rebbe’s ZT”L adamant opposition to relinquishing any portions of Eretz Yisrael. While Shas was under the leadership of Eli Yishai, a more hawkish politician, there was a considerable number of Chabadnikim that voted for Shas, but with Deri’s return, this is highly unlikely.
Not willing to accept the loss of the Chabad votes, Deri sought a meeting with Rabbi Mordechai Ashkenazi, Rav of Kfar Chabad and Av Beis Din Chabad in Eretz Yisrael.
That meeting took place in Kfar Chabad close to 11:00pm on Monday night, the eve of 21 Cheshvan 5773, and lasted for about 20 minutes, during which Deri reportedly explained historical facts to the rav, quoted as saying he was opposed to the Oslo Agreement.
Ladaat quotes Deri as adding “I did not come here to ask for your support, but I wished to be heard, to state the truth and present the facts.”
The rabbonim present did not indicate if they will support Shas or not.
Deri is a convicted crook!
I wouldn’t trust him enough to buy sunflower seeds from him in the Shuck!
Anyways Libavitchers dont really vote for Shas.
Chabad has not been voting in significant numbers for Shas in years. These are the results from Kfar Chabad in 2009 (kfar Chabad btw is considered a more “lefty” chabad community then say Tzvat or Kiryat Melachi)
National Union: 1400 votes
Shas: 200
Likud: 170
Gimel: 111
Yisrael Beiteini: 20
Bayit Yehudi: 13
Meretz: 2
Greens: 1
In 2006 and 2003 chabad voted mostly for Marzels Party and this time around most of the chabad votes will go to whatever party Rabbi Ben-Ari is part of.
How can ya tell if a politician-s lying
when his lips move.
Cajun Chosid
feh! I would rather vote Labor than Shas.
Shas is not a “religious” party.