Prominent Rabbi Decries Moral Complacency Over West Bank Violence

Rabbi Moshe Lichtenstein, head of the Har Etzion yeshiva, has spoken out against what he termed "moral complacency" regarding violence perpetrated by Jews in the West Bank. In a lecture delivered ahead of the Selichot penitential prayers, Rabbi Lichtenstein stated that while the violent acts themselves are severe, the public's muted reaction is equally concerning.

He noted that this issue, once confined to a few individuals, has now reached mainstream attention, even compelling the Prime Minister to address it. Rabbi Lichtenstein specifically condemned the "glorification of power" associated with the violence, asserting that this reflects a deep-seated moral apathy.

"I am not only referring to those who commit the acts, but primarily to the public's attitude," he explained. "I am talking about how the public reacts, what atmosphere the public creates."

Rabbi Lichtenstein likened his repeated warnings to a "broken record," but stressed that the reality itself is broken. He expressed a sense of shame for the public regarding the treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank, concluding, "I am not talking about the individuals, that is a completely different story. I am talking about the atmosphere that allows this."