Shlomo Maoz
Photo: Amit Shaal
Shas: Ethnic discrimination alive and kicking
Faction says it's sympathetic to remarks made by Shlomo Maoz, economist who was fired over criticism of 'Ashkenazi elite'
The Shas
faction expressed sympathy Thursday for the sentiments voiced by Shlomo Maoz, an economist fired over controversial remarks criticizing the "Ashkenazi elite."
Maoz, who was dismissed earlier by the Excellence Nessuah investment firm, said in a recent panel discussion at Sapir College that "Bank Leumi is a white man's bank. Only white people can get a job there."
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In a statement, Shas said it "isn't surprised by the incident because it has been pointing out the discrimination against Mizrahim for years."
In the panel, Maoz claimed that the High Court of Justice is an "Ashkenazi institution," dubbed the activists who took part in the social protests this past summer as "Ashkenazi elite," and accused the police of treating the protesters in a forgiving manner due to their Ashkenazi background.
While the Shas faction members did not voice explicit support for Maoz's statements, they noted that they understand where they come from.
"Ethnic discrimination is still alive and kicking," the statement said.
Earlier Thursday, Excellence Nessuah released as statement saying that "In light of Shlomo Maoz' crude and unfortunate remarks he will be relieved of all of his duties in the investment house."
The statement further added, "Excellence wishes to apologize and repudiates such remarks."
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