Avreichim in Bnei Brak demand: Give Gedolei Yisrael third representative of 'Degel'

The short time remaining until the final decision about the identity of the third candidate faction in Degel Hatorah, causes the various Lithuanian sectors to try and improve their positions, make the most of the candidate elections, and place people closer to their heart.

The Yerushalmi sector, in turn, has long given up on the candidate, Menachem Carmel, to the disappointment of the supermarket chain owner- who sacrificed a lot for the future election. The Bnei Brak sector, however, continues to ignore the determination of the requirements that come from Jerusalem, in terms of "no other side". But it is clear to everyone that in a situation in which a representative of Degel HaTorah MK Moshe Gafni, interviews to the media (by approval or not by approval) and clarifies that there is controversy, there are two sides, and common ground should be reached "- it's hard to ignore the situation.

Consequently, last night (Sunday) at the home of Rabbi Yeshaya Karelitz, associate and confidant of Av Beit Din of Bnei Brak Hgr"n Karelitz, a meeting convened attended by representatives of Gedolei Yisrael, including trustees of the Rosh Yeshiva of Ponovicz Hgri"g Edelstein, Hagaon Reb Chaim Kanievsky, some students of Hagaon Reb Chaim Grenimann and Slobodka members.

On the agenda: a requirement to fill the third place with ... a representative from Bnei Brak. The reason: "The first two representatives are not our 'natural representatives". "I.e., for years they were identified with the Jerusalem branch, they brought their questions before Harav Elyashiv zt"l, they are not 'ours'. This is despite their unqualified allegiance now towards Hagaon Harav Aharon Leib Steinman's and other Gedolei Yisrael mentioned.

Among the names that were raised at the meeting as an option to staff the third place popped up again names from the 'Exchange Names', including: Rabbi Eliezer Sorotzkin - Lev L'Achim Chairman, Rabbi Yitzchak Reich - CEO of Agudath Yisrael Kindergartens, Rabbi Yisrael Kellerman - Jerusalem Council Member, Rabbi Mordechai Karelitz (already announced that he is not interested in the position), Rabbi Avraham Deutsch from Ofakim, and more.

But it is clear to all that the decision on the identity of the candidate will be made by Harav Aharon Leib Steinman, and it will be decided at the last moment, so that any talking means nothing.

The decision of the resolution passed at the meeting, and signed by participants:

"To the management of Degel HaTorah,

We the undersigned wish to highlight and call to your attention a figure you certainly did not notice.

We, whose concerns of the movement of Degel Hatorah, stands before us for many years, worry and took care of its establishment and success of the great light of Gedolei Yisrael ztvk"l and lhvdlcht"a, and want the party to continue with success.

As you know, members of the Degel HaTorah were appointed by Maranan Rabbis and members of Council of Torah Sages of Degel HaTorah, and represent the public opinion of the Bnei Torah who adheres to Daas Torah.

But we are now required, as the subject of appointment of another MK in Degel Hatorah for the next Knesset comes up he will have a good chance to enter the Knesset. We hereby request and require that since the previous representative was appointed as representative of Jerusalem, it is now time to represent Bnei Brak , and a representative will come from the public representing Bnei Brak and Gedolei Yisrael of Bnei Brak.

We will bring these things before Maranan and Gedolei Yisrael in order that the great public we represent will continue to feel part of Degel Hatorah, and belong to the party formed to represent the entire community and not just the small part.

We require that the candidate will come from us, from our proposals, in order not to miss the train and the opportunity for another orthodox representative, who hear the word of Hashem and obedient to the words of Maranan and Gedolei Yisrael shlit"a."
The names of the signatories' were removed for obvious reasons.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!