An unusual and historic meeting took place this week between Jerusalem mayor Moshe Leon and the Toldos Avrohom Yitzchak Rebbe, Rabbi Shmuel Yaakov Kohn.
The rebbe spoke with warmth and friendship to the mayor about several topics concerning the city. At the end of the meeting the Rebbe blessed Leon and said that he intends to maintain contacts with him.
The main topic which was raised was the issue of the light rail, which has once again led to violent demonstrations at the Bar Ilan street site where work is now being completed on the light rail line which will connect the neighborhoods of northern Jerusalem.
The mayor presented to the rebbe a number of steps being taken to maintain the character of the neighborhood, including special stations for the chareidi sector, darkening the windows of the train and other measures. The mayor explained how the train will be a significant improvement over the hundreds of buses passing through the congested region and how it would help even from a spiritual level. The rebbe said that he was happy to hear another opinion and that he had heard new contentions which he had not know previously. He added that he is opposed to all acts of violence and destruction.
The second part of the discussion concerned the assistance which the mayor wishes to provide for educational institutions including Talmud Torahs as well as welfare organizations and the importance of cooperation in promoting the affairs of the city. It should be noted that although Toldos Avrohom Yitzchak do not participate in elections, there are some groups which permit voting in municipal elections [due to take place in November 2023] and the Rebbe may have influence over those groups as well.
The mayor said that his goal is to ensure that no child will be without a proper educational facility and this is now his major endeavor, after many years in which the issue has not been properly addressed.
Officials involved in the highly secret meeting termed it “historic” as the rebbe has never in the past met with any mayor, even when there was a chareidi mayor in Jerusalem. The current meeting demonstrates that Moshe Leon is determined to maintain channels of communication with every sector in Jerusalem.
1 comment:
The rebbe is about to find out that his followers will only follow him when he says what they want to hear.
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