Aryeh Deri
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Leftists back Deri's political comeback
Left wing academics, authors lend former Shas chairman's attempt to resurrect political career surprising support
A group of left wings academics and authors have publicly voiced their objection to the pending "Deri bill," which is meant to stop the former Shas chairman from returning to political life.
Aryeh Deri announced in June that he is returning to politics and will form a new party. Deri, once considered one of Israel's most powerful men, was forced out of politics in 1997 by a criminal conviction.
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The bill states that someone convicted of an offence carrying moral turpitude – as Deri was – would be unable to run for office.
The "freedom to vote" movement has distributed a letter among some Knesset members, stating that it has launched an "anti-'Deri bill' campaign."
"We cannot allow for such legislation is Israel," Shani Cohen, one of the movement's heads, said. "This bill is electorally motivated by rightists, who are simply afraid of Deri.
"Every person has the right to be elected and to vote and everyone deserves a second chance."
Though the majority of those backing the campaign are affiliated with the Left – like author Amos Oz and former Meretz MK Mosi Raz – Cohen stressed that the campaign is not trying to garner support solely form the Left.
"We would welcome anyone who wants to support the campaign," she said.
Deri, however, seems wary of the Left's unexpected support. Close associates told Yedioth Ahronoth Tuesday that while Deri's new political stand "inclines somewhat to the left" he is trying to position himself at the center of the political map, so not to lose this appeal to voters from the right.
Another of Deri's associates hedged that the campaign may actually be the work of extreme right-wing elements, who wish to portray him as a leftist.
"Aryeh enjoys cross-party support but it's important to stress that he had nothing to do with it," he said.
Akiva Novick contributed to this report
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