Shas spiritual leader: Boycott Israel's government

• Published date: 15 June 2021
• Author: JEREMY SHARON
• Date: 15 June 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The rabbi, 89, spoke during a meeting at his home in the Old City of Jerusalem with the members of the ultra-Orthodox Shas Knesset faction, the Shas official newspaper "HaDerech" reported, during which he denounced what he called "the iniquitous government" which he alleged seeks to uproot religious faith.

"It is forbidden in any way whatsoever for the heads of [Shas] institutions, the heads of organizations, and non-profits, to cooperate with those destroyers of religion and their partners in this wicked government," said Cohen.

"Someone who turns [to the government] to get assistance or [to advance] his interests desecrates God's name and no blessing will come to him," continued the rabbi in reference to the financial needs of Shas's many institutions, including yeshivas and its network of schools.

"There is absolutely no need to turn to them [for assistance], God will ensure that we will not want for anything."

Cohen said that the new coalition was "a government for uprooting religion and Judaism, and that Shas must be united to topple "this wicked government," and fight to preserve Judaism and tradition in the Land of Israel and for...