Religious Zionism Rabbis Defend Dov Lior After Sephardi Chief Rabbi's Criticism

Leaders of the 'Torat Ha'aretz HaTova' organization of Religious Zionism rabbis have issued a statement defending Rabbi Dov Lior against criticism from former Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef. The statement, titled "Protest for the Honor of a Genius," strongly condemns the attack on Rabbi Lior's standing and honor, calling it a "disgrace to Torah scholars."

Signed by prominent rabbis including Yaakov Ariel, Isser Klonsky, and David Chai HaCohen, the statement expresses deep sorrow over Yosef's remarks, particularly given the timing before the High Holy Days when "everyone is careful in every word and deed." The signatories emphasized that their protest is solely about upholding the honor of Torah, irrespective of differing opinions on ascending the Temple Mount.

Yosef had sharply criticized Rabbi Lior and others who permit ascending the Temple Mount, calling it "chutzpah" and stating that "all the great rabbis of the generation said not to ascend." He cited numerous prominent rabbis, including the Steipler, Rabbi Shach, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, and Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, as having forbidden the ascent.

Yosef questioned Rabbi Lior's authority, stating, "What is the strength of your rabbi? What rabbi does he have? Your rabbi is from Hebron, I know his books, he doesn't reach the ankles of all the rabbis I mentioned." He further asserted that rabbis permitting the ascent "don't reach the ankles" of those who forbade it, accusing them of "chutzpah."