Bidspirit auction | The Decision That Transformed Israeli

The Decision That Transformed Israeli Politics!! Historic Letter from Rabbi Ovadia Yosef to Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach Jerusalem, 1992 * In this letter, Rabbi Ovadia offers a lengthy explanation for his decision to permit the Shas party to join Rabin’s second government. That government witnessed historic developments that dramatically altered Israeli politics: the signing of the Oslo Accords, the assassination of Prime Minister Rabin, and more. Background to the Letter On the very day this letter was composed, Rabin’s second government was officially inaugurated. This government included prominent critics of religion, such as Ms. Aloni from the Meretz party, who became the Minister of Education. As a result, many leading Rabbanim of the generation, led by Rabbi Shach, strongly opposed joining the government. In contrast, Rabbi Ovadia believed that several achievements related to Torah had already been secured and were at risk of being lost if Shas did not participate in the government. He negotiated agreements with Rabin through Shas ministers to ensure that the Education Minister would not be permitted to implement major changes that could impact religious institutions. Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach’s Signature on a Letter Against Shas: Shortly before the government was sworn in, Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach signed - together with leading Rabbanim Rabbi Elazar Menachem Mann Shach and Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv - a sharply worded public declaration opposing the participation of “chareidi parties” in the government. The intent of the letter is clearly to oppose Shas joining the government. In the present letter, sent personally by Rabbi Ovadia to Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, he explains in detail the reasoning behind his decision to support joining the government, and expresses sorrow that Rabbi Shlomo Zalman signed the letter opposing Shas. Among his arguments in favor of joining the government - clearly stated in this historic letter - Rabbi Ovadia cites the tremendous Torah gains already made (such as the establishment of Talmudei Torah for about 20,000 children), which were at risk of being undone. He also writes of his concern that, should Shas refuse to join, the Tzomet party might enter in their place and “they are opposed to the exemption of yeshiva students from military service, and they too would add to our troubles.” Thus, they decided to enter the government and keep a close watch over Ms. Aloni. In conclusion, Rabbi Ovadia requests that Rabbi Shlomo Zalman clarify that his signature does not refer to the members of Shas. He signs: “One who clings with brotherly love, Ovadia Yosef” Despite significant pressure to refrain from joining the government, Rabbi Ovadia remained steadfast in his decision, and the Shas party officially joined the government that same day, though they later withdrew at the end of 1993. Shortly after, Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin was assassinated in the aftermath of the Oslo Accords that were signed during his time in office. Due to the tremendous rabbinic and public opposition to joining Rabin’s government and Rabbi Ovadia’s firm insistence to the contrary, this event became a true watershed moment for Shas’s role in Israeli public life, particularly within the chareidi world. Presented here is an especially sensitive document revealing the deep internal deliberations behind the event and the final historic decision to join the government. From the vantage point of history, it is clear that the monumental decision outlined in full detail in this extraordinary letter changed the face of Israeli politics for generations! Jerusalem, 13 July 1992. Entirely in the handwriting and with the signature of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. Official letterhead, measuring 14.8 × 20 cm. The original envelope is included. Condition: Good.