At the end of a tempestuous meeting, the Knesset Finance
Committee approved the transfer of NIS 30 million to chareidi
educational institutions.
Tempers began to rise, in reaction to the conduct of Shinui
MKs who lodged criticism against the request to transfer
funding to chareidi institutions, using language unfit for
print and making unfounded claims. MK Brizon (Shinui) even
threatened to file a High Court petition against the
committee's decision.
Brizon's remarks raised the ire of the chareidi MKs present.
"Shinui is a party of evil, a party of hate and religious
opposition for its own sake," Rabbi Gafni told Brizon. "All
that interests you is monetary transfers for chareidi
matters. When transfers for matters belonging to the Labor
Party or the NRP come here, you remain silent. Shinui's
opposition is illogical and should not be taken seriously. It
is nothing more than hatred and evil."
Rabbi Gafni noted that Shinui does not care that people are
going hungry and have not received their salaries for months
on end, such as what is taking place in the Jewish cultural
organizations, which have not received a single shekel.
A Finance Ministry representative explained that these funds
are unrelated to the upcoming elections and were agreed upon
long ago, but this did not persuade Shinui either.
Shas representatives and Committee Chairman MK Rabbi Litzman
also protested Shinui's opposition, reminding the party of
the NIS 700 million in funds for Shinui that went toward
chess, close associates and other questionable purposes.
