Top Rabbi Denounces Calls to Boycott Elections as 'Great Crime'

Rabbi Dov Landau, a leading figure in the Lithuanian Haredi community, has sharply criticized individuals attempting to dissuade Haredim from voting in the upcoming elections, less than a month away. He described such actions as a "great crime" and "great foolishness."

Landau's remarks come amid a particularly contentious election season. Recent reports indicate that the anti-Zionist Satmar Hasidic sect is offering financial incentives to those who pledge not to vote for the Knesset. The Lithuanian Haredi party, Degel HaTorah, has refreshed its Knesset slate with younger representatives.

According to sources within Degel HaTorah, the party is confronting a phenomenon where certain groups are actively trying to lower voter turnout in the Haredi sector. These efforts reportedly involve spreading messages that current Knesset members have not adequately represented Haredi interests, citing the failure of the conscription law and other key legislation as examples.

During the Sukkot holiday, Menachem Shapira, Deputy Mayor of Bnei Brak and Degel HaTorah's municipal department director, met with Rabbi Landau to inform him of this trend. In footage published by Ynet, Rabbi Landau vehemently condemned those inciting a boycott, stating, "Woe unto him who incites not to go to the elections!" He added, "No excuses will help, no accusations, woe unto him. He is committing a great crime, or it is great foolishness, or it is great wickedness, or it is both together."

Shapira also informed Rabbi Landau that "the left is investing a lot of money within our public to cool people down." Rabbi Landau responded by drawing a parallel, suggesting that if people were paid not to sit in a Sukkah, they would do so.

Concurrently, Degel HaTorah is aiming to reach new demographics, including working Haredim who have historically been less connected to the party. The party believes its new Knesset members will resonate more with this group, potentially increasing their votes.