Top Rabbis Condemn Violence Against Rabbi Feivelson

Prominent rabbinical leaders have issued strong condemnations against acts of violence and persecution targeting Rabbi Eliyahu Meir Feivelson. The outcry follows a letter from Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, a leading figure in the Torah world, expressing distress over the situation. Two senior rabbis from the Ponevezh Yeshiva, Rabbi Chaim Peretz Berman and Rabbi David Miller, have now publicly supported Rabbi Feivelson, expressing deep shock at the severe harassment he has faced and praising his restraint and nobility.

In his letter, Rabbi Berman described Rabbi Feivelson as a wise, righteous, and God-fearing individual who has inspired many. He lamented a difficult incident on the eve of Tisha B'Av, where he heard that youths, described as lacking religious observance and faith, violently accosted Rabbi Feivelson with insolence and contempt for Torah. Rabbi Berman noted the irony of such actions occurring during a period of mourning for the destruction of the Temple, referencing the story of Bar Kamtza. He commended Rabbi Feivelson's forbearance, stating that truth would ultimately prevail and his Torah dissemination would grow.

Rabbi Berman also expressed joy at seeing Rabbi Hirsch's recent pronouncements, which he felt brought blessings. He concluded by wishing Rabbi Feivelson continued goodness and praying that the plans of those who wish him ill would be thwarted and that violence would cease. Rabbi David Miller echoed these sentiments, adding sharp words about the reprehensible phenomenon. Rabbi Miller warned against the growing notion that physical force should be used when arguments fail in matters of Halakha, Aggadah, or public leadership, likening it to silencing Jacob's voice with Esau's fist.