Chabad Rabbis Denounce Chabad Member's Inclusion on Otzma Yehudit List

The rabbinical court of the Chabad Hasidic movement has issued a strong statement distancing itself from the inclusion of a Chabad member on the Otzma Yehudit party's Knesset list for the upcoming elections. The rabbis declared that the move was not made with their knowledge or approval and is contrary to Chabad's principles.

In a rare and dramatic letter, the members of the "Rabbinical Court of Chabad in the Holy Land," the movement's highest spiritual authority, stated that integrating a Chabad follower into the Otzma Yehudit list "was not done with our consent, and is contrary to the way of Chabad Hasidism on these matters."

The rabbis further elaborated that such an inclusion serves to associate Chabad with the political party. They argued that even a declaration from the candidate stating they do not act in Chabad's name is insufficient, as it leads to desecration of Chabad's name and deceives the public.

The letter concluded by emphasizing that Chabad Hasidism does not identify with any political movement and disavows any party support, while still acknowledging the obligation to vote. The rabbis stated that the Rebbe's path, which guided Chabad's activities, was to spread Judaism and Hasidism to all parts of the nation with love and unity for Israel. The rabbis signed the letter with "sorrow and pain."