Top Haredi Rabbi Dov Lando Denounces Calls to Boycott Israeli Elections

Rabbi Dov Lando, a leading figure in Israel's Lithuanian Haredi community, has strongly condemned calls for Haredim to boycott the upcoming Israeli elections, labeling such actions as "a great crime or great foolishness." Lando, speaking with Menachem Shapira, Deputy Mayor of Bnei Brak and Municipal Department Director for the Degel HaTorah party, stated that those inciting non-participation face severe consequences, describing their actions as a "great crime, or great foolishness, or great evil, or both."

Shapira informed Rabbi Lando that certain groups are attempting to lower voter turnout within the Haredi community. These groups are reportedly spreading messages suggesting that Knesset members have not adequately addressed Haredi concerns during the current term, citing the failure to pass a conscription law and other relevant legislation as examples. Shapira also claimed that "the left is investing a lot of money within our community to cool people's enthusiasm."

Rabbi Lando responded to Shapira's concerns by likening the situation to someone being paid to convince people not to sit in a sukkah, implying a similar manipulative intent. These remarks come as the Degel HaTorah party prepares for the elections, aiming to broaden its voter base to include working Haredim, a demographic previously less connected to the party. The party has also made changes to its candidate list, introducing younger Knesset members.