Senior Rabbi Defends Dov Lior Amid Criticism

Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, a prominent figure in Religious Zionism, has publicly defended Rabbi Dov Lior against recent sharp criticism. Rabbi Ariel stated that even halachic (Jewish law) disputes should not diminish Rabbi Lior's standing as a Torah scholar.

"It hurts to see this again and again. Rabbi Dov Lior is one of the greatest Torah scholars of our generation," Rabbi Ariel said in an interview with Channel 7. He described Rabbi Lior as an "enormous scholar, proficient in all of the Torah." Rabbi Ariel noted that Rabbi Lior was once considered for a position as a rabbinical judge but focused on his rabbinate throughout the years.

Addressing a specific halachic disagreement regarding ascending to the Temple Mount, Rabbi Ariel acknowledged their differing opinions. "I am not entering the question of ascending the Temple Mount, because we have a dispute. His opinion is this, my opinion is different," he stated. However, he stressed that such disagreements do not justify attacking Rabbi Lior's stature. "But to erase his greatness? To say he doesn't reach anyone's ankles? He doesn't reach anyone's ankles? He is a head among heads."

Rabbi Ariel shared that he has known Rabbi Lior personally for seven decades, describing him as "enormously diligent, enormously knowledgeable, with a wonderful memory, organized." He added that Rabbi Lior possesses a "great intellect, an open mind, and sound reasoning." Rabbi Ariel also mentioned that Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook had wanted Rabbi Lior to be the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem.

Concluding his remarks, Rabbi Ariel emphasized that disputes among halachic authorities are a natural part of Torah scholarship. "Like everything in the Torah, there is dispute. There is dispute among the decisors," he said. He reiterated that while he doesn't agree with every opinion of Rabbi Lior, "first of all, we respect. We have disagreements. I do not accept every opinion, I have other opinions," but insisted that "God forbid to harm the honor of a great Torah scholar."