Rabbi Yosef Kelner Clarifies Stance, Supports Noam Party Amidst Recording Controversy
Rabbi Yosef Kelner has issued a clarification regarding recent leaked recordings attributed to him, in which he appeared to criticize the Noam party and suggest it should withdraw from upcoming elections. In his clarification, Rabbi Kelner stated, "I am for Noam." He explained that his ideological stance regarding the party remains unchanged.
The recordings had sparked public controversy, with some interpreting them as Rabbi Kelner opposing the party's run and the path of its leader, Avi Maoz. In the recordings, Rabbi Kelner was heard questioning the party's achievements and expressing an expectation that Maoz would announce a withdrawal. He now seeks to correct this perception.
Rabbi Kelner elaborated that his remarks addressed two aspects: the conceptual and the practical. "Conceptually, Noam is the truth. Noam, and I am with Noam one hundred percent. This is the ideology, this is what needs to be done, this is the idea," he stated. He also praised Avi Maoz as "a phenomenon, an honest man, a man of integrity, a great man, a man of action, a man of spirit," adding that he personally owes Maoz a debt of gratitude for past assistance.
He emphasized that criticism of the party's practical achievements should not be construed as personal criticism of its leader. Rabbi Kelner clarified that he did not intend to instruct the public on how to vote, stating, "I was not asked what I instructed the people of Israel."
Furthermore, Rabbi Kelner addressed his relationship with Rabbi Tzvi Tau, explaining that as Rabbi Tau's long-time student, he does not consider himself qualified to present his own opinion against his rabbi's on complex national issues. He also condemned attempts to use his words to suggest a dispute between himself and Rabbi Tau. Concluding his remarks on practical matters, Rabbi Kelner stated explicitly, "For practical matters, ask Rabbi Tau. That's it. That's what I say. I am for Noam. If you publish that I am against Noam, convey this: I am for Noam."
