Chabad Rabbis Denounce Haredi Politician's Inclusion on Otzma Yehudit List

The rabbinical court of the Chabad Hasidic movement has publicly distanced itself from the inclusion of a Chabad follower on the Otzma Yehudit party's Knesset list for the upcoming elections. In a rare and dramatic letter, the rabbis stated that the move was not made with their knowledge and is contrary to Chabad's principles.

They warned that integrating a Chabad member into a political party falsely associates the movement with that party, leading to a desecration of Chabad's name and misleading the public. The rabbis emphasized that even a candidate's declaration of not acting in Chabad's name is insufficient to prevent this association.

The letter further clarified that Chabad does not identify with any political movement and disavows partisan support, while still acknowledging the obligation to vote. The rabbis concluded by stating that the Rebbe's path was to spread Judaism and Hasidism to all segments of the people with love and unity for Israel, expressing their sorrow and pain over the situation.

The rabbinical court, referred to as the supreme spiritual authority within Chabad in the Holy Land, issued the statement on Thursday.