Grand Rabbi of Bitschkov Urges Vote Amidst Political Criticism
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The Grand Rabbi of Bitschkov called on his followers to vote in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the critical state of the Torah. Speaking at a gathering in Jaffa, he acknowledged his usual critical stance towards politicians but stressed the current emergency. He urged voters to support an established Haredi party, warning against frivolous ones that would waste votes.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Grand Rabbi of Bitschkov urged followers to vote in upcoming elections.
- He described the current spiritual situation as being "in Noah's Ark within the flood."
- The Rabbi criticized political representatives but called for action due to Torah's distress.
- He advised voting for an established Haredi party, not a frivolous one.
- The call was made during a Melaveh Malka meal in Jaffa.
The Grand Rabbi of Bitschkov, whose Hasidic center is located in Jaffa and who resides in Bnei Brak, joined the call of many prominent rabbis in the Holy Land on Saturday night, urging his followers and admirers to turn out in large numbers to influence the upcoming elections. The Rabbi delivered his remarks at the conclusion of a Melaveh Malka meal at the Hasidic synagogue in Jaffa.
Comparing the spiritual state to the era of Noah's Ark, the Rabbi stated, "We are in Noah's Ark within the flood, and we must turn the world upside down to see how to save the ark." He then surprised listeners by stating, "Even those who know me well know my path and my method. I consider myself a devoted student of the Satmar method. But this time, I am deviating from it. We must fight for the Torah."
While not sparing sharp criticism of political representatives, the Rabbi emphasized the current emergency situation. "Everyone knows my opinion of all the Knesset members, from the smallest to the largest, and there is no need to elaborate. But this time, nothing else will help. The holy Torah is in distress, and we must turn the world upside down to avoid reaching a situation where we have to say, 'Our hands did not spill this blood.'"
Concluding his address, the Rabbi made a personal appeal to his followers: "Therefore, this time, I make a personal call to go and vote, and even to persuade other Jews to go out and vote for an established Haredi party and not for a frivolous Haredi party that will be of no use except to waste votes." He ended his discourse with blessings for all those working for the public good.
