Chabad Rabbis Denounce Inclusion of Hasid in Otzma Yehudit Party List

Senior rabbis within the Chabad-Lubavitch movement have publicly distanced themselves from the inclusion of a Chabad Hasid on the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party's Knesset list. In a statement, the rabbis declared that the move was not made with their knowledge or consent and directly contradicts Chabad's established principles regarding political engagement.

They asserted that integrating a Chabad member into the party's political platform falsely associates the entire movement with Otzma Yehudit, leading to a desecration of Chabad's name and deceiving the public. The rabbis emphasized that the Rebbe's (Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson) directive was to spread Jewish teachings to all segments of the people, a mission they believe is undermined by such political affiliations.

The statement aims to clarify that Chabad as a movement does not endorse or support Otzma Yehudit, despite the presence of an individual identified with the Hasidic group on their electoral slate. The rabbis stressed that their focus remains on outreach and education, not partisan politics.