Civil rights groups irate over Shas-Kadima deal
Senior Kadima officials say the coalition agreement with Shas sealed, which will apparently grant ultra-Orthodox party fourth ministry; civil rights groups say deal to stifle any hope for change in status of those unable to wed in Israel in accordance with Jewish law
After the Labor and Pensioners parties joined the Kadima-led government, all eyes are set on the ulra-Orthodox.
Senior Kadima officials said the coalition agreement with Shas has been sealed, but sources close to Shas Chairman Eli Yishai have asked that the enthusiasm be toned down, as the party awaits clarifications on a number of issues, with a focus on the party’s demand for a fourth cabinet minister.
A Kadima official said a Shas member will indeed be appointed a second minister in the Finance Ministry, as was the case when Meir Sheetrit served as a finance minister alongside Benjamin Netanyahu.
Shas is also expected to receive the Industry and Communications portfolios, as well as the appointment of a minister responsible for religious services in the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Transportation Ministry has also been mentioned as a possibility, but Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef ruled it out for fear of being in charge of issues related to the desecration of the Sabbath.
These issues may be resolved early Friday during an expected meeting between Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Yishai, but Shas sources said they don’t expect a signed agreement before next week.
Civil rights groups have already criticized the expected deal with Shas, which would apparently stifle any hope of solving the problem of those Jews who are not permitted to wed in Israel due to halichic constraints.
“This (deal) will bury the issue,” one activist said.
‘Spit in voters’ face’
It seems likely there won't be any change in the status of those who cannot marry in Israel, and the complex issue will be decided by the chief rabbi. "In the name of 250,000 Israelis, this brings us back to a dark age," said lawyer Irit Rosenblum, Director General of the New Family organization.
"If until now there was a hope to change the law by the Knesset, the authority is now being transferred to the rabbinate. This is a public scandal, and a real change in the authorities of the rabbinate. The Israeli public can't tolerate another Orthodox takeover of private life."
Rabbi Gilad Kariv from the Reform movement said that the expected deal signifies a "treachery of immigrants and Kadima voters.”
He added: "The only solution to the problems of invalid marriage is the expropriation of the monopoly from the chief rabbinate and the opening of a civilian marriage path alongside the religious path. All of the involvement of the rabbinate in the issue will make the problem worse and will continue the unforgivable blow to the public of immigrants or veteran Israelis who seek to marry through a civilian, Reform, or Conservative ceremony. If the Kadima party gives Rabbi Shlomo Amar a veto over the issue, then this is at best a con, and at worst a real treachery."
The Forum for Free Choice in Marriage is also furious over the coming agreement. "Just a month ago Kadima and Labor promised to find a solution for the issue. All evasions from that promise will be a treachery of the voter, and they will be held to account," said Zamaira Shagav, the forum's organizer.
Miri Chason contributed to the report
