Dr. Ben Ari: "We Will Join a Government that Promises not to Speak about Ceding Territories"
MK- elect Dr. Michael Ben Ari, Eretz Yisroel Shelanu representative in the Ichud Leumi party clarifies, in his very first interview after winning a seat in the Knesset, the Eretz Yisroel Shelanu conditions for joining a coalition. He speaks about the elections victory and its' significance. And..what will the first law he suggests in the Knesset.
First of all, congratulations on your victory as the representative MK of Eretz Yisroel Shelanu faction.
"Even if we only won a few seats, I feel that this is a great accomplishment for the Ichud Leumi party. It all happened over three short weeks! It was not an easy job, with problems along the way and a tight time schedule. I would like to personally thank the hundreds of activists who worked selflessly for success, and thank G-d that we achieved that success. I am sure that the next time around, Eretz Yisroel Shelanu will be the leading faction.
.The governmentthat is being formed poses a dilemma for you. What is the faction's position?
"First of all I must point out that I am the representative of Rabbi Sholom Dov Volpo, faction chairman, and Boruch Marzel. They made the decision, based on the rulings of the movement's Rabbonim, to do everything possible to block Livni from heading the government, and to join a government only if they commit themselves not to negotiate the cession of lands to the Arab enemy. This was also decided by the Ichud Leumi at a meeting in Bet- El the day after the elections. We will not be part of such a government for one second. This was the Rabbonim's decision and we will uphold it."
Don't you trust Netanyahu?
"From past experience, it is clear that he cannot be trusted. We saw how he acted with the Chevron Accords and the expulsion. We will only accept a very firm commitment from Netanyahu that he will not negotiate about ceding territories. That is the only way we can join a government with him. Anything less is not an option for us.
"We all recall how all kinds of 'rightist' parties couldn't part with their chairs during Netanyahu's Chevron Accord days, and again in the Sharon government, they remained until the very last minute even though this government expelled Jews from Gush Katif and Northern Shomron. We don't want to repeat this scene. We will not be the bridge to harm Eretz Yisroel. We will not allow ourselves to be used against our policies."
During the campaign you were attacked when it was said that you are a student of Rabbi Kahane and Rabbi Volpo's representative. What do you have to say in reply?
I am proud of the fact. From my teacher Rabbi Kahane, HY"D, I learned how to love every Jew, to fight with self sacrifice to save Eretz Yisroel and not let one inch of land be handed over to the enemy. Rabbi Volpo is one of the biggest Torah scholars, who works selflessly to save the Torah and the land. He was personally appointed by the Lubavitcher Rebbe as his emissary regarding these issues, and authored books that present the Rebbe's stance on these issues. I am proud to represent Rabbi Volpo in the Knesset. Rabbi Volpo gave all up in the name of unity, he recovered Eretz Yisroel's lost respect, and brought about this great accomplishment in the elections, despite attacks on him from those who took part in the expulsion. The great number of voters that supported us proves that the flag of Eretz Yisroel will forever be raised."
What will be the first law that you introduce to the Knesset?
"I think that due to the mass assimilation that is happening here, it is imperative to amend the 'Mihu Yehudi' law and add the word 'keHalacha' (according to Halacha). Today we see how very necessary this is. We all remember how the Lubavitcher Rebbe was the first to raise an outcry to have the law amended. To our shame and sorrow, his words went unheeded. I have much hope that we will amend this law in the present Knesset. I see that Rabbi Yisroel Meir Lau just recently stated that this law must be amended.
What do you see as your most important task in the Knesset?
"Social and educational issues are very close to my heart, which translates to regaining the childrens' allowances and support of Torah institutions. As someone who spent many years of his life as an educator, I will be spending much of my time and efforts to further these . I pray that I will fulfill my duties faithfully, and bring about a Kiddush Hashem." |
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