Prominent Rabbi Questions Noam Party's Political Strategy

Rabbi Yosef Kelner, a senior rabbi at Yeshivat HaKav, expressed ideological agreement with the Noam party's platform but sharply criticized its political strategy and potential independent run in elections. He stated that while he believes Noam addresses crucial issues, he is uncertain about its practical achievements and effectiveness. "I don't know what Noam party is, I don't know what it has advanced, I don't know what it's good for at this stage," Rabbi Kelner remarked, questioning the party's impact and suggesting its actions might be counterproductive.

Rabbi Kelner acknowledged that his assessment might be incomplete due to his limited engagement with the party's activities. He emphasized that his evaluation is based on results, stating, "My criterion is the so-called test of the outcome and the benefit." He also addressed the support Noam receives from other prominent rabbis, including Rabbi Tzvi Tau, expressing confusion about the reasons behind their backing and Noam's independent political aspirations.

He speculated that the party's actions might be an attempt to increase its value for a future political merger. However, with the possibility of such a merger now seemingly off the table, Rabbi Kelner anticipates that Avi Maoz, a key figure associated with the party, will eventually withdraw from the electoral race. "Now I expect that Avi Maoz will announce he is not running," he said.

Rabbi Kelner voiced concern that an independent run, even if it fails to pass the electoral threshold, could alienate voters within the broader right-wing bloc, drawing a parallel to past electoral dynamics. He questioned the party's strategy, asking, "Are you playing with all of our heads?" He reiterated that identifying problems is insufficient without the political power to enact solutions, warning against overestimating one's capabilities.

Despite past successes by Noam in municipal elections that surprised him, Rabbi Kelner remains skeptical about the party's current electoral prospects. He concluded by stating that if a "miracle" does not occur for the party, he will be angry with them, but he will not vote for Noam himself, saying, "No, one does not rely on miracles."