Top Rabbi Publicly Backs Moshe Gafni After Knesset Ouster

Rabbi Dov Landau, a prominent Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox leader, attended a wedding celebration in Bnei Brak on Tuesday night to show his full support for Knesset Member Moshe Gafni. The event, the engagement party for Gafni's granddaughter, took place just days after it was decided that Gafni would not be included in the upcoming Knesset slate for the United Torah Judaism party.

Rabbi Landau's presence was seen as a significant gesture, intended to convey a clear message of continued trust and confidence in Gafni. Gafni, who has served as a Member of Knesset for 38 years, will not be returning to the Knesset in the next term. However, he will remain in his position as chairman of the national Degel HaTorah movement.

Earlier, Gafni published a heartfelt farewell letter, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Haredi public. He recalled being called to serve in the Knesset by Rabbi Aharon Kotler approximately 38 years ago and credited the guidance of leading rabbis for his work.

Gafni emphasized in his letter that he will continue his role as chairman of Degel HaTorah and will work for the public within that capacity. Rabbi Landau's attendance at the engagement party is interpreted as a clear signal to the Haredi community that despite his departure from the Knesset, Gafni remains a central and trusted figure in the eyes of the spiritual leadership.