To: Rabbi XXXX shlita
Re: Clarification
In light of the libelous, hate filled, fabricated and unprecedented attacks against me from the
activists in the campaign of my opponent, and as they themselves state they are only doing so out of propaganda considerations, I hereby declare:
1. I have consistently spoken out for the Haredi community and at every juncture in my public
life I aided the Haredi community as much as I was able, and G-d willing I will continue to aid the Haredi community in the future, as per its needs with no discrimination G-d forbid. Just as I aided the Biala Rebbe at the request of Rabbi Litzman, when I served in the position of the Director General of the Aliyah and Klita department in the Jewish Agency. The opposite is true as I will prove that permanent structures for the Torah and educational institutions that today are housed in caravans are definitely attainable.
2. The spirit of the Shabbat that is so unique to Beit Shemesh was always important to me and that was the basis upon which I raised my family. In contrast to the libelous, false and malicious words said, I never expressed any desire to institute public transportation on Shabbat nor do I support any form of public chillul Shabbat, as it is clear to me that our city has and always has had a traditional Jewish atmosphere.
3. With regard to the Nahari Law and the status of Yeshivot, I would like to clarify in a clear manner, that the Torah world was always important to me and close to my heart and therefore I will work as hard as I can to find the public financing in order to maintain the law in its present form.
4. All of the talk concerning the alleged stopping of construction for the Haredi population is based on false rumors. However I said and continue to claim, that we should build for Haredim as well as for other populations such as newcomers and young couples from Beit Shemesh, the children of the founders and builders of the city, out of the supreme value of “Doing what is good and just” as it says in the Torah.
5. In contrast to the distortions of the truth presented to Hagaon Rav Shteinman that were published and exposed, I have never been supported by Lapid and Yesh Atid. The absolute opposite is the truth: I rejected a generous offer from the Yesh Atid party out of a desire to build a positive relationship with the Haredi public.
It is important to note that the real issue with regard to the municipal elections in our city is
the professional management of the city, out of a policy of equality, transparency and honesty. All
attempts to divert the discussion to a war of religion and mudslinging, stem from irresponsible machers and spin doctors that are setting one group against the other, without considering the future of the city and the need to live
together in harmony on the day after the elections. It is my hope that these sincere words from the depth of my heart will fall on receptive ears that seek to hear the truth as it is.
In peace and brotherhood
Eli Cohen
-------------------------------------------------------------
Donate to the Schneider Hospital so I can run the Schneider benefit marathon..
------------------------------------------------------ Reach thousands of readers with your ad by advertising on Life in Israel ------------------------------------------------------
