Degel HaTorah did not send representatives to a seminar for
Egged department managers and branch heads on the topic of
the way of life and transportation needs of chareidi
passengers.
The reason for their absence was explained in a letter to
Egged Secretariat Chairman Arik Feldman signed by MK Rabbi
Moshe Gafni, Rechasim Council Head Rabbi Yitzchok Reich, Bnei
Brak Deputy Mayor Rabbi Avrohom Rubinstein and Beit Shemesh
Councilman Rabbi Moshe Montag.
"On the whole the chareidi public uses public
transportation," reads the letter, "and it is considered an
important issue in determining place of residence and quality
of life. Furthermore, as representatives of a central segment
of the chareidi public we must note this sector has not had
professional representation in the Egged Company. In fact the
seminar organizers did not even bother to adequately convey
the stance of its representatives. In light of the above,
unfortunately we do not see any place for our participation
in this seminar and we hope in the future be'ezras
Hashem these matters will be remedied and we will be glad
to take part in all affirmative activities that are
arranged."
Aryeh Frankel, Egged's public relations advisor for the
chareidi sector, replied, "MK Rabbi Gafni's letter comes as a
surprise. MK Rabbi Gafni has never once in the past five
years contacted [us] with a recommendation to hire someone as
a liaison to the chareidi sector at Egged. At Egged people
are selected based on functions and abilities, with maximal
consideration for recommendations in the case of sector
functions."
In response MK Rabbi Gafni said he and his fellow
representatives at Degel HaTorah have contacted Egged heads
during the past few years and even recently regarding the
issues noted in the letter, yet their requests were not
honored as seen at the seminar.
