Amid ongoing reports of internal tensions within the Shas movement, former Rishon LeTzion Rav Yitzchak Yosef has written an unusually warm and effusive dedication to Shas chairman Aryeh Deri, a public gesture widely expected to be viewed as a strong vote of confidence in the party leader.

The dedication was written in honor of Deri’s completion of Shas and contains exceptional praise for the longtime Shas chairman.

In the inscription, Rav Yitzchak Yosef describes Deri as “a friend of all of Israel,” “a tireless champion of Torah,” “a devoted communal leader,” and “the faithful steward of my revered father, Maran, of blessed memory.” He also refers to Deri as one who was “beloved and cherished by him like a son to a father,” calls him “the crown of glory,” and addresses him as “the chairman of our movement.”

Rav Yitzchak Yosef concludes by extending heartfelt congratulations on Deri’s completion of Shas, blessing him to merit completing the entire Beis Yosef and Yabia Omer as well. The dedication is signed simply, “With blessings, Yitzchak Yosef.”

The publication of the inscription comes at a significant time, as reports in recent weeks have pointed to disagreements within Shas over several issues, including the movement’s spiritual leadership, the draft law, and the party’s internal conduct.

In recent months, groups of bnei yeshivah have also protested against Deri. Following one such protest, Rav Yitzchak Yosef issued a public statement condemning the demonstrations and called on the public to show respect for the Shas chairman.

Given the timing, many are expected to interpret the personal and highly complimentary dedication as a clear message of support for Deri, particularly in light of recent public speculation about divisions within the party. The inscription’s repeated references to Deri as the trusted heir to Rav Ovadia Yosef’s legacy and as “the chairman of our movement” are likely to be viewed as especially significant.

{Matzav.com}