It was shortly after Health Minister Yaakov Litzman's visit to the city of Beitar Illit. At that time, there was a rift between the Shlomi Emunim faction and the Degel Hatorah movement, due to the refusal of Deputy Education Minister Meir Porush to give up his seat in the Knesset plenum in favor of Yaakov Asher. For political reporters, Litzman's visit symbolized the beginning of an era of rapprochement between Shlomi Emunim and Gur, who had been at odds with each other for many years.
In the end, these affectionate relations did not last more than a few days. But the week the visit took place, Shimon Breitkoff of the family published one of his more colorful descriptions:
""Only the sun went out for a short walk and the leaders of the factions Litzman and Prus went out arm in arm, smiling as they had never smiled before, to snack on vegetables and fruit in the office of the mayor most associated with 'Shlomi Emunim' - Meir Rubinstein. If this duo were Lithuanian, one would still think they were at a matchmaking meeting. The smiles, the restrained refreshments, the flushed host - one by one remind one of the scene familiar to every Lithuanian yeshiva student from his matchmaking period.
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
""Let's leave aside the rivers of bad blood that flowed between these two distinguished figures and the firm promises to close such and such newspapers by Passover of any given year.
""The partnership has exhausted itself. This partnership (Shlomi Emunim – Degel S.R.) has yielded an almost unimaginable spoils for Shlomi Emunim. Both Meir Rubinstein and Israel Porush - the two mayors on behalf of Shlomi Emunim - owe their positions to the courageous partnership with the Lithuanians, who for a long period were the cash cow of the starving Jerusalem faction.
""Now, when the time has come to pay for all the abundance that was bestowed upon it - this partnership is turning from a burdensome yield... Stop any pedestrian at Zichron Moshe and he will explain to you that in Jerusalem a good partner is a partner who gives.".
""When he starts asking - you have to start looking for new partners very quickly. And 'Degel' gave and gave - and now, mercifully, she may ask for more.".
These estimates, every kid now knows, were shattered before they even reached shore.
