Orange-Partner Communications signed an agreement with Vaadas
HaRabbonim LeInyonei Tikshores to supply an approved cell
phone that will only carry telephone conversations with a
block of dedicated phone numbers.
Gedolei Yisroel set up the Vaadah over a year ago to
develop cellular devices suited to the chareidi sector's
needs and to counter the grave spiritual damage caused by
various companies that provide undesirable content-services
in stark contradiction to the spirit of a Torah-based
life.
Based on instructions by maranan verabonon, thousands of
users switched in recent months to cell phones with Vaadas
HaRabbonim approval. "The move, which was personally
initiated and accompanied by gedolei Yisroel shlita,
has enjoyed special siyata deShmaya from the start,"
the Vaadah says.
After updating them on the signing of an agreement with
Partner Communications gedolei Yisroel shlita told the
rabbonim on the Vaadah that they were very pleased with the
entire process, particularly the signing with Partner —
the last of the four cellular companies in Israel to sign.
The signing took place in the office of Attorney R' Yaakov
Weinroth, who worked on the agreement pro bono, investing
much time and effort. At the signing, Vaadas HaRabbonim
member HaRav Tzvi Friedman said Maran HaRav Eliashiv
shlita had asked him to extend his appreciation to
Atty. Weinroth for his dedicated work on the matter.
Just over one year ago Mirs became the first company to sign
an agreement to provide cell phone service that met the
demands stipulated by Vaadas HaRabbonim, followed later by
Cellcom and Pelephone.
At the signing with Orange-Partner, members of Vaadas
HaRabbonim noted the part played by the chareidi media, which
conformed with instructions not to carry advertising or
promote the sale of unapproved cell phones. This restriction
caused them serious losses of revenue.
With all of Israel's four cell phone companies now providing
kosher cell phone devices, the public has a range of options
available.
Recently companies involved in other areas of communications
services have contacted Vaadas HaRabbonim to offer additional
solutions designed to accommodate the chareidi home. The
rabbonim are discussing the issue and plan to bring the
matter before gedolei Yisroel shlita.
