Top Rabbis Condemn Attacks on Rabbi Feivelzon, Offer Support
Two prominent leaders of the Ponevezh Yeshiva, Rabbis Chaim Peretz Berman and David Miller, have issued strong letters of support for Rabbi Eliyahu Meir Feivelzon, head of the P'tei Olam Yeshiva. The support comes in response to recent disruptions and alleged violence against Rabbi Feivelzon by extremist youths during his lectures and activities.
Rabbi Berman's letter described Rabbi Feivelzon as a wise, righteous, and God-fearing individual who benefits the public. He quoted scripture, stating that those who are insulted but do not insult back are beloved like the sun in its glory. Rabbi Berman expressed deep sorrow over incidents on Tisha B'Av, where he said young individuals aggressively disrupted Rabbi Feivelzon's teachings, calling them "small youths who are distant from commandments, small ones of little faith."
Rabbi Berman further condemned the perpetrators' actions as "terrible cruelty not found among the Jewish people." He prayed that only good and kindness would pursue Rabbi Feivelzon and that the plans of those wishing him ill would be thwarted. He also prayed for an end to the "prosecution" against Torah scholars and the cessation of violence by "fists."
Rabbi Miller added his endorsement to Rabbi Berman's letter, expressing sorrow that some in the public believe that persuasion should be achieved through violence. He lamented that some use "the fist of the wicked and the hand of Esau" to silence opposing views.
These letters join previous expressions of support for Rabbi Feivelzon from other prominent rabbis, including Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, who previously denounced the violence as "false zealotry" that desecrates God's name. Rabbi Feivelzon has faced repeated attacks in recent months, including a significant disruption during Tisha B'Av services at his synagogue, which caused widespread shock in the religious community. Rabbi Feivelzon is a leading disciple of the late Rabbi Moshe Shapira and a prominent figure in the "Chelek B'Kehilati" community.
