Rabbi Stav Warns Against Defaming Groups Amid Election Season

Rabbi David Stav, chairman of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization, issued a warning ahead of Yom Kippur against the defamation of entire public sectors. He urged Israelis not to allow the election season to "disrupt our judgment" and called for an end to the denigration of various groups within Israeli society.

Rabbi Stav emphasized that slander against a group is far more severe than against an individual, as seeking forgiveness from a collective is significantly more difficult. He specifically addressed recent events, citing the film "Collateral Damage" which he stated slanders IDF soldiers by portraying them as indifferent to civilian casualties. He also condemned the generalization of violence towards Palestinians to all settlers, calling it a defamation of that community.

Furthermore, Rabbi Stav referenced comments made about the Kaplan demonstrators, stating that dismissing them from military service due to their protest activities constitutes defamation of a group that includes many of Israel's finest soldiers, some of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice. He linked these issues to the upcoming Yom Kippur holiday, noting that atonement requires reconciliation between individuals and that the election period should not justify attacks on entire segments of the population.

Concluding his remarks, Rabbi Stav stressed the importance of coexistence beyond the elections, stating, "There will be a day after the elections." He urged everyone to consider how they conducted themselves during this period and how they will continue to live together in Israel, emphasizing that accountability will be required before God and themselves.