Last minute: Hgr"a Abergel resigned • What about Hgr"y Shapira?

The status for qualified candidates for Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi and Rishon Lezion is shrinking.

After the retirement of Rabbi Eliezer Igra from the Ashkenazi race yesterday, which left only three, heavy pressure is also operated on Yeshivat Merkaz Harav Hagaon Shapiro to retire, on the grounds that his candidacy may bite off votes from Hgr"d Lau - and bring about the coronation of Rabbi David Stav .

However headquarters of Rabbi Yaakov Shapira deny any intention of retirement: "We are 24 hours before the fateful battle. Battle will determine the face of the Chief Rabbinate. This campaign will be followed with the election of Rabbi Yaakov Shapira who will continue the legacy of his father zt"l. We make an end of all rumors and gossip, and which have no connection to reality. Rabbi Yaakov Shapira is not retiring and will not retire and is not considering such a step. Rabbi Shapira will run to the end and win. Rabbi Shapira's electoral body has the largest circle of supporters.
"We call on all those who push the rabbi to retire. They should think about retiring so that a worthy candidate will be elected. At present Rabbi Shapira has the best chance to win, so we expect that for the sake of Am Yisrael Rabbi Lau will consider the resignation today so we can sanctify the Name of Heaven in the rabbinate."

However, the race to Rishon Lezion, which began with six candidates, including retired Hagaon Deri who announced his support of Hgr"y Yosef on broadcast, is again reduced, with the visit today (Tuesday) of Hgr"a Abergel at Harav Ovadia Yosef, and announcement of retiring from the race so as not to hurt the chances of Hgr"y Yosef. Both candidates have announced officially also removing candidacy and ballots with the names will not appear at the polls.

That left four candidates: Hgr"y Joseph, Hgr"tz Boaron, Hgr"s Eliyahu and Rabbi Dr. Razon Arussi.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!