Rabbi Dov Lando: Torah Study Above All, Not Dependent on Politicians

Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent leader of the Degel HaTorah party, declared on Wednesday that Torah study is the most sublime pursuit in the world. Speaking to thousands in Tiberias, he asserted that "we are not dependent on this person or that person, or on one prime minister or another, but solely on the Creator of the world." He expressed a collective hope for divine mercy upon the Jewish people, especially those dedicated to Torah study.

This statement follows a strong critique Rabbi Lando issued approximately two months prior, targeting knitted kippah wearers who support the conscription of yeshiva students. At that time, he argued that the state sends soldiers into wars not solely for self-defense but also "for the honor of the state." He questioned the morality of such actions, stating, "If the state sends people, soldiers, for the honor of the state, and kills people, is that also permitted? Murder, ממש (truly). So they incite murder, that's what they do. They wage wars not only for salvation, but for the honor of the state."

These earlier remarks were made during a meeting at his residence with Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, head of the Mir Yeshiva, and Rabbi Binyamin Finkel, the yeshiva's mashgiach (spiritual supervisor).