Knesset speaker calls for calm

Edelstein calls for calm despite the intense emotions involved in the draft state budget and Women of the Wall prayer.

By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN
Yuli Edelstein 311 (photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem / The Jerusalem Post)
Yuli Edelstein 311
(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem / The Jerusalem Post)
Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein expressed outrage over the weekend, due to the fighting among Jews in Israel over the draft state budget and the right to pray at the Western Wall.
Speaking in his statesmanlike, unpolitical role, Edelstein called for calm despite the intense emotions involved in both issues.
“The events at the Western Wall and the budget that is expected to be presented this week naturally cause tension between different sectors and individuals,” he said. “I think the only answer, at least temporarily is tolerance.”
Edelstein called upon all parties involved in both disputes to do everything possible to find compromises and build bridges.
“It would be proper for all sides to avoid harming the other no matter what ends up happening,” he said. “The Jewish people as a nation has endured many crises and unfortunately will have to endure more. To deal with them dialogue and understanding are essential.”
Edelstein noted that the Shavuot holiday that begins on Tuesday evening marks the festival of bringing the first fruits to the Temple. He called upon Israelis to refrain from the baseless hatred that according to tradition caused the Temple’s destruction.