Top Rabbis Convene Emergency Meeting to Urge Haredi Vote

Leading rabbis, members of the Council of Torah Sages, and yeshiva deans held an emergency gathering in Bnei Brak on Saturday night ahead of the upcoming elections.

Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Dov Lando underscored the obligation to actively participate, stating that "the obligation is doubled and redoubled in such a situation to increase representatives and increase voters for list Gimel." He warned that failing to vote could lead to a "terrible desecration of God's name," especially if it suggests the younger generation is distancing itself from its heritage. He added that every vote in Haredi areas cast for other parties "causes our pursuers to prove that the next generation is distancing itself from its ancestors' heritage."

Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch addressed a perceived "negative awakening" among some yeshiva students who question the need to vote. He urged them not to assume they understand everything, emphasizing that their participation is crucial for bringing about positive changes. "If the number of voters decreases, it is a terrible desecration of God's name, and that is sufficient reason to go and vote," he stated, explaining that voting provides the necessary "strength" to implement changes.

Rabbi Baruch Dov Povarsky, in a letter read at the event, cited the Chazon Ish, stating that voting is akin to acknowledging God and desiring the rule of Torah and its commandments. He asserted that those who vote sanctify God's name, while those who abstain do the opposite. He described the current situation as a "blatant war by the enemies of Torah and spirituality" aiming to undermine the authority of Torah scholars.

Rabbi Meir Tzvi Bergman declared that the elections are "solely to protect the world of Torah" and prevent yeshiva students from being drafted into the army. Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel highlighted the supreme sanctity of Torah scholars, comparing them to heavenly angels. Rabbi Shlomo Steinman explained that the request for votes is not for personal honor but to ensure the honor of the Jewish people and Torah learners. He noted that a decrease in the observant public could lead to a desecration of God's name, which can only be atoned for by a "sanctification of God's name" through voting.

Rabbi Shalom Ber Sorotzkin stated that the assembly's purpose is to strengthen their connection to the Torah and sanctify God's name publicly. He observed that despite religious persecution, the world of Torah is experiencing unprecedented growth in both quantity and quality of scholars. The event concluded with the reading of resolutions formulated by Rabbi Dov Lando.