Kiryat Arba Rabbi Defends Dov Lior Against Criticism by Yitzhak Yosef

Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Schwartz, the chief rabbi of Kiryat Arba-Hebron, has publicly protested remarks made by Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef against Rabbi Dov Lior. Rabbi Schwartz released a video urging residents of Kiryat Arba-Hebron to join him in protesting the statements, emphasizing that "one must not remain silent when hearing an affront to the honor of a Torah scholar."

Rabbi Schwartz highlighted Rabbi Lior's nearly 50-year tenure as the city's rabbi, describing him as a diligent scholar, gentle in his ways, courageous, and a man of truth in his opinions. He expressed shock at the "attempt to harm his honor and status" and offered blessings for Rabbi Lior's long life.

The controversy stems from Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef's sharp criticism of Rabbi Dov Lior during a Saturday night lecture, specifically in the context of ascending the Temple Mount. Rabbi Yosef stated that "all the great rabbis of the generation said not to enter the Temple Mount. What audacity is this?" He mentioned that he had spoken several times about Itamar Ben-Gvir ascending the Temple Mount.

Rabbi Yosef further questioned the authority of Rabbi Lior, referring to him as "your rabbi from Hebron." He dismissed Rabbi Lior's standing, saying, "I know his books, he doesn't reach the ankles of all the rabbis I mentioned. With all due respect." Rabbi Yosef reiterated his criticism of rabbis who permit ascending the Temple Mount, asserting that those who do permit it "don't reach the ankles of all the great rabbis of the generation who forbade it, and this is out of their audacity."