Rabbi Yosef Kelner Clarifies Support for Noam Party After Recordings Surface

Rabbi Yosef Kelner has issued a clarification regarding recent recordings in which he appeared to criticize the practical achievements of the Noam party and suggest MK Avi Maoz's potential resignation. Rabbi Kelner emphasized that his ideological support for Noam remains unwavering, stating, "Ideologically, Noam is the truth. And I am with Noam one hundred percent."

He explained that his remarks were solely directed at the party's political accomplishments, not its core principles or leadership. Rabbi Kelner praised Avi Maoz as a "phenomenon, an honest man, a man of virtue, a great man, a man of action and a man of spirit," highlighting their deep mutual respect and friendship.

Rabbi Kelner further clarified that he does not presume to dictate electoral choices for the public. He affirmed his complete loyalty to his teacher, Rabbi Tzvi Tau, stating that on complex public leadership matters, he defers to Rabbi Tau's opinion, saying, "It would never occur to me to position myself as disagreeing with Rabbi Tau. Ask Rabbi Tau for practical guidance, that's it."

Concluding his statement, Rabbi Kelner reiterated his firm backing for the Noam party, urging that any reports suggesting his opposition be corrected, "I am for Noam. If you publish that I am against Noam, convey this, I am for Noam."