The Shas Party has called on Tel Aviv leaders to use their influence to prevent further religious and ethnic discord. The call comes in response to Mayor Ron Huldai\'s proposal that the city name only one Chief Rabbi, instead of the current two. Shas sources say that Huldai\'s initiative is only the latest in a series of decisions that make Tel Aviv a \"state within a state.\" The last example of Tel Aviv \"separatism\" was on the national day of mourning and fasting of Tisha B\'Av, when the city decided unilaterally to allow food establishments to remain open. Shas members have said that they would use all legal means at their disposal to prevent \"brutal political grabs\" of city institutions.
On the other hand, the head of the left-wing religious-Zionist Meimad Party, Deputy Minister Rabbi Michael Melchior, has expressed his support for the one-Chief-Rabbi proposal and calls for all other municipalities to adopt similar measures. Melchior feels that the move would be not only economical in eliminating redundant state offices, but would also be an important step towards a total reunification of Jewish diasporas in their common homeland.
On the other hand, the head of the left-wing religious-Zionist Meimad Party, Deputy Minister Rabbi Michael Melchior, has expressed his support for the one-Chief-Rabbi proposal and calls for all other municipalities to adopt similar measures. Melchior feels that the move would be not only economical in eliminating redundant state offices, but would also be an important step towards a total reunification of Jewish diasporas in their common homeland.