Haredi Leader's Anti-Zionist Remarks Spark Debate
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent Haredi spiritual leader, has been recorded condemning Zionism and the national religious community, stating the state's establishment brought disasters. Knesset Member Yaakov Asher confirmed and agreed with Lando's anti-Zionist remarks. The author contrasts these views with the post-October 7th unity and questions the political support for parties empowering the Haredi sector, framing it as a key election issue.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Dov Lando, a key Haredi leader, condemned Zionism and the national religious community in a viral video.
- Lando stated the establishment of Israel brought disasters and that national religious soldiers die for state honor.
- Knesset Member Yaakov Asher confirmed and agreed with Rabbi Lando's anti-Zionist statements.
- The author contrasts these views with the unity felt in Israel after the October 7th attacks.
- The author questions why political parties still consider empowering Haredi factions after such statements.
- The author frames these opposing viewpoints as the central issue for upcoming elections.
A video featuring Rabbi Dov Lando, a central spiritual leader of the Lithuanian Haredi public in Israel, has ignited controversy with his strong condemnation of Zionism and the national religious community. In the video, Rabbi Lando, 96, is seen responding to questions from a young man, reportedly an educator or rabbi. He asserts that the national religious "crocheted kippah" wearers are killed because their rabbis teach them distorted Torah, and that their actions are for the state's honor, not salvation. He further claimed that the establishment of the State of Israel by Zionists brought physical and spiritual disasters upon the Jewish people, suggesting a UN-governed entity or Arab rule would have been preferable.
Knesset Member Yaakov Asher, a political leader of the United Torah Judaism party, has publicly confirmed and agreed with Rabbi Lando's statements, indicating a shared opposition to Zionism within certain Haredi circles. The author expresses deep disappointment, contrasting these views with the sense of unity and shared purpose that emerged in Israel following the October 7th attacks. He laments that despite the collective sacrifice and a hope for national cohesion, segments of the Haredi community have refused to embrace this unity.
The author reflects on the fallen soldiers, including Yitzhar Hoffman, Aner Shapira, and others, who he states died for the Jewish state. He questions how, after the shared experience of the recent war, political discourse has returned to boycotts and ostracization, particularly questioning the consideration of parties that empower the Haredi sector. This, he concludes, is the central question facing voters in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the need for unity and the rejection of those who deny the Zionist project.