Prominent Rabbi Advises Against Independent Noam Party Run
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, a prominent Religious Zionist leader, has urged the Noam party against running independently in elections, stating that educational reforms can be achieved within existing political parties. He warned that splitting votes among small parties risks wasting them and harming the cause of education. Rabbi Ariel advised that integrating into larger parties is a more strategic and effective approach to advancing these issues.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Yaakov Ariel advised against Noam's independent political run, advocating for integration into larger parties.
- He believes educational reforms can be achieved within existing political frameworks.
- Wasting votes on small parties risks harming existing political structures and education, Ariel warned.
- The rabbi stressed that political wisdom, not just righteousness, is crucial for advancing causes.
- Ariel cited existing successful educational frameworks within both religious and general systems.
Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, a leading figure in Religious Zionism and the former Chief Rabbi of Ramat Gan, has publicly advised against the formation of a separate political party, such as Noam, to address issues in the education system and Jewish identity. While acknowledging the need for reforms in education, Rabbi Ariel believes such changes can and should be pursued within existing frameworks.
In a response published on the "Yeshiva" website to a question about Noam's independent run in the Knesset elections, Rabbi Ariel praised existing educational institutions, including those within the state religious education system (HMM"D) and the general education system, for their excellent work. He argued that integrating into larger, existing political parties is a wiser and ultimately more just approach than forming small, potentially non-viable parties.
Rabbi Ariel cautioned that splitting votes among small parties that may not pass the electoral threshold risks wasting votes, which he described not only as a transgression but also as direct harm to existing political structures and, consequently, to the cause of proper education. He invoked the principle, "In politics, do not be righteous, be wise!" and suggested that joining larger parties with diverse viewpoints is a more effective strategy.
The rabbi concluded by referencing the Ramban's commentary on the verse "Cursed is he who does not uphold the words of this Torah," implying that a fractured political approach could undermine the very goals it seeks to achieve.
