Rabbi Neriah Condemns Personal Attacks Amidst Rabbinate Appointments

Rabbi Yitzhak Neriah has spoken out against what he describes as slanderous attacks targeting Rabbi Oudi Schwartz, who is slated to become the new Rabbi of the Israeli Air Force. Neriah warned that struggles over positions within the Military Rabbinate have devolved into personal defamation, harming the honor of Torah scholars and uniformed personnel.

Neriah stated that he felt compelled to protest the recent attacks on Rabbi Schwartz, a "wise scholar" highly regarded for his exceptional memory and ability to teach complex Torah subjects with clarity and depth. He also praised Schwartz's legal acumen and his ability to draw from the teachings of past and present great rabbis. Neriah emphasized that such a scholar would be a great asset to the Military Rabbinate and a source of security for soldiers.

Drawing a parallel to a concept explained by Rabbi Asher Weiss, Neriah noted that some individuals seek to elevate themselves by diminishing others. He lamented that internal disputes over appointments and roles within the Military Rabbinate have escalated to personal attacks, which he finds inappropriate and damaging to the reputation of Torah and the IDF.

Neriah urged that discussions about positions and ranks should not lead to personal harm, stressing the importance of being a good person above all else. He called for the world of Torah to abstain from such "despicable behavior" and stated that no justification exists for damaging a scholar's honor in pursuit of a position or rank. He concluded by asserting that the Military Rabbinate should be a beacon of Torah, proper conduct, and good character, and that those who champion Torah must uphold respect for others, even during disagreements.