Hirchson asked to expose harassers

Former finance minister says perpetrators should be dealt with legally.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
hirchson 298.88 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
hirchson 298.88
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
Former finance minister Avraham Shohat called on Finance Minister Avraham Hirchson on Wednesday to reveal the identities of those who were harassing him and his family, so they could be dealt with in the proper legal manner. Hirchson made the claims at the 14th Annual Caesarea Forum. "I am being followed and [they] are trying to harm my family and I in order to derail economic reforms," said Hirchson, giving the assurance that those elements would be unsuccessful in their attempts to prevent him from making the "necessary reforms to the Israeli economy." On Tuesday, Hirchson presented an official complaint to Attorney-General Menahem Mazuz of the threats. Hirchson went on to praise the economy, saying that at present it "was going through an especially good period. "All indications show that the Israeli economy is marching in the right direction. The economy is growing at a yearly rate of more than five percent - a higher growth rate than most advanced countries," he said. Hirchson explained that the growth was propelled by an increase in consumer buying in the private sector. "If we act responsibly there is no reason this won't continue for some time." Regarding unemployment, he said that numbers showed that more Israelis were looking for jobs and finding them. The Finance Minister also said that he was interested in reducing the price of public transportation.