Rabbi Lundin Urges Israelis to Vote, Citing Jewish Responsibility
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Haggai Lundin urged Israelis not to abstain from voting in the upcoming Knesset elections, framing it as a matter of Jewish responsibility. He criticized the notion that avoiding politics elevates one above disputes, instead drawing on the biblical story of Abraham to emphasize active engagement with life's complexities. Lundin called on citizens to participate in shaping the nation's future by casting their ballots.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Haggai Lundin urged Israelis to vote, calling abstention an avoidance of responsibility.
- He drew parallels to Abraham's biblical journey, emphasizing active engagement over withdrawal.
- Lundin criticized the view that avoiding politics makes one morally superior.
- He stated that participating in elections is a civic and national responsibility.
- The rabbi called on citizens to vote to influence the nation's future.
Ahead of the Knesset elections, Rabbi Haggai Lundin has criticized the phenomenon of voter abstention, particularly among those who view it as rising above political disputes. In a video message, Lundin argued that Jewish responsibility requires actively participating in shaping the future of the Jewish people, rather than opting out of the political process.
He addressed citizens who declare they will not vote, either because they find no party worthy of their support or because they prefer to distance themselves from political conflicts. Lundin described the attitude of some who see abstention as a higher moral stance, suggesting they feel "above the reality, elevated above the people, and I don't need to get into politics because politics is a dirty business."
However, Lundin contended that this feeling might mask an avoidance of taking responsibility for reality. He drew a parallel to the biblical portion of Lech-Lecha, where God commands Abraham to leave his homeland. The rabbi interpreted this not just as a geographical move but as a call to exit comfort zones and engage fully with life's complexities.
Lundin highlighted Abraham's life as one filled with challenges and constant engagement, not withdrawal. He connected this to the current Israeli political reality, stating that participating in elections is part of civic and national responsibility. He urged citizens not to flee responsibility but to "go to the ballot box, go and vote and influence the things we believe will advance the people of Israel."
He concluded with a message of action and public involvement, stating, "This is our commandment to every Jewish man and woman, to do, to go and to win."
