Lithuanian Rabbi Dov Lando Denounces Election Boycott Calls as 'Crime'

Rabbi Dov Lando, a spiritual leader of the Lithuanian Orthodox community, has strongly condemned efforts to persuade Haredim not to vote in upcoming elections, labeling such actions as "a great crime, or great foolishness, or great villainy, or all of it together." The statement comes amid a challenging election campaign for the Haredi sector, marked by internal divisions regarding participation.

Reports indicate that some Hasidic groups, specifically Satmar, are reportedly offering financial incentives to individuals who abstain from voting. The Degel HaTorah party, representing the Lithuanian stream of Judaism, is concerned about low voter turnout, attributing potential declines to "subversive work" within the community. The party, which recently refreshed its electoral list with younger candidates, is also addressing concerns that current representatives have not adequately served the community's needs, citing the failure of a conscription law as an example.

During the Sukkot holiday, Menachem Shapira, Deputy Mayor of Bnei Brak and head of Degel HaTorah's city council faction, informed Rabbi Lando about these divisive efforts. Rabbi Lando's response was unequivocal: "Woe to him who incites not to go to the elections!" He added that no excuses or accusations would suffice, reiterating the severity of such actions. Shapira lamented that "leftists are investing a lot of money in our community to cool people down." Rabbi Lando drew a parallel, suggesting that if money were invested to discourage people from sitting in the Sukkah, the approach would be similar.

Concurrently, Degel HaTorah is intensifying outreach efforts to a new demographic: working Haredim who have historically had less connection to the party.