Rabbi Avrohom Leventhal a leader of the large “Anglo” population in Beit Shemesh prominent has joined the TOV party as a candidate for city council. Leventhal, 45 years old, is a Baltimore native and settled in Beit Shemesh eight years ago with his wife and six children. Leventhal quickly became a well-known public figure as Executive Director of Lema’an Achai, a social services organization which assists local residents in need to become self-sufficient. He is also the president of the large Kehillat Shivtei Yeshurun synagogue under HaRavYaacov Haber. According to Leventhal, there is a real concern for Beit Shemesh and the direction it is taking. Over the past few years, the city has become associated with communal conflict and division. Said the rabbi,  “An us vs. them” mentality has taken hold. There are many levels to the various conflicts including haredi vs. haredi, veteran residents vs. newcomers and olim vs. those native to the city. This chaos is reflected in the functioning of the current municipal government. Clearly favored are those considered supporters while providing substandard services to everyone else. If someone is not part of the correct “tribe” then their needs are ignored. TOVis a very different approach. They are Orthodox Jews with a strong social action agenda. They assist residents regardless of their party or religious affiliation. This is exactly the style of good government that Anglo olim seek.”