Chabad Rabbis Declare Movement Non-Partisan Amid Election Interference

The Central Rabbinical Court of Chabad in Israel issued an unusual public statement clarifying that the Hasidic movement is not affiliated with any political party. This declaration comes in response to attempts by political activists to enlist the movement's support ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections and following political statements made in the movement's name.

The rabbis emphasized that the movement's leader, the Rebbe of Lubavitch, always maintained that Chabad is non-partisan. "No one has the authority to express an opinion in the name of Chabad, and anyone making statements regarding elections does not represent the official position, these statements are their own," the court members clarified. They also issued a stern directive to political activists and party workers, forbidding the use of Chabad's name or the Rebbe's name in political campaigns.

Furthermore, the court ruled that a Chabad Hasid cannot serve as a Knesset member for any party without written approval from the court. While disavowing direct partisan involvement, the rabbis urged the public to exercise their right to vote and to support lists that work towards the state's Jewish character and the integrity of the land, in line with the movement's traditional guidance.