Won't lose with dignity? Eli Cohen talks about dividing the city

Eli Cohen responds to the initiative of distribution of his home town of Beit Shemesh. Statement issued on the Facebook page "Eli Cohen for mayor," Cohen wrote that despite the desire on the part of young people to work for the division which he is opposed to and ideology. However, despite his opposition, Cohen hangs his statement to the mayor's behavior and attitude toward the secular.

The message opens Eli Cohen relating hard feelings following the bitter loss. It then lists the choices available to them.

"The days pass by," writes Cohen," and yet I see the sadness for the poor and desire for a new hope. I hear and see the sounds of the cries of our sons and our friends coming from the heart and soul out of concern for the future of the city. These cries fall on the listening ear and identifying soul. Election is behind us, we face two choices, one is to settle accounts with all who was on the other side, or to harness the positive and beautiful energy that we have created for the city we all love and consider it our home".

Cohen returns and details the considerations underlying the decision to go to new elections despite the victory of Moshe Aboutbul on the first round.

"As I said before, I respect the decision of residents and respect the election of the mayor. I called the rule of law and democracy, we went seemingly hopeless struggle for new elections, and we must respect the principles which have respected us".

Then Cohen: the position regarding the division of the city: "We are witnesses to the will of the residents and especially the younger to the division of the city, I want to emphasize as advocated building a model of coexistence until ten days ago, and as someone who fought for the maintenance of a democratic process which is clean and honest, I see great importance to provide an opportunity for such a company".

"Conceptual and ideological, I am not in favor of dividing the city because of disagreements or different worldviews. Then there is no end to it, once we separate the ultra-Orthodox, then the Sephardim and Ashkenazim then veteran immigrants and so on, where do we put the line? Does the inability to present alleged to live together one requires the division of the city? Have we not found a good solution in Jerusalem when the Haredim chose a good mayor who is not Orthodox? Also important to remember that the old city in part also chose the ultra-Orthodox mayor, although extraneous and personal but that’s the fact".

"However, my position is dependent on the behavior and conduct of the mayor and his administration for the city. Yeah, 49% of city residents wanted a Zionist multicultural city and not a haredi city, like the current mayor wants. Key to unity, mutual respect and shared life today and tomorrow is for him".

"We are members of the Nonet we decided that we act as a bloc in all matters at the municipal, and that only security true of all of us that resources are allocated equally, bereavement resident feel at home, and practice will ensure a unified city. Know for sure, I'll do anything to live here in peace and mutual respect, hope that there will not be a need to think and act differently".

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!