Barkat or Leon? Battle of versions

Three events occurred this week around the battle for Torah Judaism list in Jerusalem over the question of support for a candidate for mayor.

What is interesting is that each party holds its own details to prove that his hand - the of the candidate he represents, is on top.

First was the meeting in the Knesses which was attended by Degel HaTorah MKs Moshe Gafni and Yaakov Asher, discussing various topics with Israel Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman. Later the chairman of Shlomei Emunim, Meir Porush, also arrived at the meeting. According to participants, the meeting dealt mainly with the Law of Governance, but it is not obvious that it was also devoted to the subject of elections in the capital.

Barkat's headquarters rushed to hold that the Agudah MKs did not participate ( Belz representative Yisrael Eichler, a representative of Vizhnitz - Menachem Eliezer Moses and Gur representative Yaakov Litzmann) , the Leon headquarters dismissed these things out of hand claiming that the meeting dealt partly with elections and to begin with the Agudah MKs were not invited.

In conclusion, it was hard to ignore the feeling that the non-participation of MKs certainly suggests that there are certain Hasidic circles which have not yet reached a decision as to identify their recommended candidate for mayor.

Another event was the opening event of United Torah Judaism headquarters in Har Hozvim. The event somewhat repaired the previous meeting, as it was attended by members of the Knesset Eichler, Belz representative Moti Brisk, and MK Moses – a repair in part for not participating in the meeting.

But - and here comes the great grief - it's hard not to relate to the fact that MK Litzmann was absent. Though Gur municipality representative Weizmann was also there, yet the absence of Litzman reminded some of the participants the headquarters opening five years ago, when Litzman was absent, and for good reasons.

Does the main faction intends to repeat its behavior in previous elections and settle for blank ballots, contrary to the decision of the other factions in Judaism? Apparently, and thorough investigation, it will not be repeated again, and it's still hard to sign it with both hands. For if all six MKs of Torah Judaism are talking passionately about the greatness of the campaign, and a representative of the main faction prefers to be absent, this piece of information is very difficult to ignore.

By the way, Litzmann himself reemphasizes to questioners that the Rebbe had not yet decided. Perhaps in honor of the greatness of unity and the desire to unite lines, the rest of the delegates present the message that "Gedolei Yisroel have not decided."

The third event, convention of the Council of Torah Sages of Degel HaTorah this evening: Barkat headquarters note with satisfaction that that there was no message from the gathering for whom one has to vote in Jerusalem, unlike other cities in the country. In various factions' journal there is also a styled text to vote with utmost care as to vote for the candidate who is closest to tradition. This is really not a version which will make people run to the ballot with a clear note in hand.

On the other hand, both Degel Hatorah and Shlomei Emunim are confident that this is not indicative of anything, and that rabbinic support will definitely be given, just a little patience, for the desire for a maximal unity of ranks which can be achieved, if it can be achieved.

After all, the heads of United Torah Judaism seek to emphasize, Moshe Leon is the one who entered the homes of Gedolei Yisroel with honor, not Nir Barkat.

Entered, yes, a letter in hand, no, Barkat's acquaintances will say.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!