Local rabbonim in Eretz Hakodesh are expressing staunch
opposition and evaluating modes of action in response to a
series of regulations formulated by the Religious Services
Authority to undermine their authority and the religious
services provided in every city.
A recent amendment to the Arrangements Law raises the issue
of unifying local authorities, which would result in laying
off rabbonim in certain cities.
Another inroad that has already taken effect in some cities
is an administrative order issued by Religious Services
Director Atty. Meir Shpeigler to reduce the salaries of city
rabbis by over 50 percent. A part of the Prime Minister's
Office, the Religious Services Authority is under the Prime
Minister's authority and is run by Minister Yitzchak Cohen of
Shas.
MK Otniel Schneller (Kadima) recently submitted a proposal
that would require every rabbi who has served in his post for
seven years to resign within two years.
Last week HaRav Yosef Sholom Eliashiv shlita received
a delegation of rabbonim including HaRav Simchah Hakohen
Kook, rov of Rechovot, HaRav Yechiel Barzilai, rov of Ganei
Tikva, HaRav Avrohom Rosental, rov of Azor, and HaRav Shimon
Almaliach, rov of Atlit. When Maran was informed of the
decree to dismiss rabbonim after seven years, he said, "The
goal [of the figures behind the decrees] is to begin with
this and to uproot, choliloh, everything while harming
all religious affairs in [the respective] cities."
