Top Lithuanian Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi Criticizes Religious Zionism and Israel's Existence

Rabbi Dov Lando, a 96-year-old leading figure in the Lithuanian stream of ultra-Orthodox Judaism, has sharply criticized religious Zionism, the State of Israel, and secular Israeli society in a private conversation. A recording of the discussion, made about a year and a half ago, was recently published by Channel 12 News.

Addressing religious Zionists who combine Torah study with military service, Rabbi Lando rejected the notion that their battlefield sacrifices should induce guilt among ultra-Orthodox men who do not serve. He attributed the deaths of religious Zionist soldiers not to a lack of mobilization among the ultra-Orthodox, but to their spiritual leaders teaching a "distorted Torah." He also suggested that some military actions are undertaken for state prestige rather than to save lives, asserting that Torah study itself provides protection for the country's residents. Rabbi Lando cited the absence of a unified Arab front against Israel as evidence of the spiritual merit of those who study Torah.

Rabbi Lando expressed particularly strong views on the existence of the State of Israel itself, suggesting that international UN-led governance could have been an alternative. He posited that Jews might have lived peacefully without their own state and even suggested that life under Arab rule could be preferable to the current situation. He blamed the Zionist movement for the deterioration of relations with the Arab world, stating that Zionism is responsible for the current level of Arab hostility toward Jews.

Describing the relationship between the ultra-Orthodox community and the state's institutions, Rabbi Lando used an analogy of Haredim living among "robbers" who nonetheless provide them protection. He criticized secular Israeli society, asserting that modern secular Israelis have largely lost their connection to Jewish tradition. He characterized the establishment of the state as anti-religious and a significant spiritual problem.

Rabbi Lando's remarks were made in a private conversation with a group of rabbis.