Agudath Israel's Election Call Delayed Amidst Drafting Dispute
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Agudath Israel's pre-election 'Kol Koreh' was delayed due to a dispute over wording that deemed not voting for Yahadut HaTorah a desecration of God's name. Several Rebbes objected to the harsh phrasing, particularly its implications for Shas voters. This issue is separate from a prior signature controversy involving the Ger Rebbe and conscription law concerns. The document will be revised and published without individual Rebbes' signatures.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Agudath Israel's election call delayed due to dispute over wording on desecration of God's name.
- Several Rebbes objected to the original text's harsh phrasing towards non-Yahadut HaTorah voters.
- The delay is separate from a prior controversy over the Ger Rebbe's refusal to sign.
- The Kol Koreh will be published under the Council's name, without individual Rebbes' signatures.
- The Ger Rebbe previously called on followers to vote for Yahadut HaTorah.
The traditional 'Kol Koreh' (call to the public) from the Council of Torah Sages of Agudath Israel, typically issued before elections, has been postponed to Sunday. This delay stems from last-minute requests by several Rebbes to amend the text. Council Secretary Rabbi Yaakov Weltzer instructed the Haredi newspapers 'HaModia' and 'HaMevaser' to hold off on publication.
The core of the dispute lies in the original wording, which stated that not voting for Yahadut HaTorah constitutes a desecration of God's name ('Chillul Hashem'). Several Rebbes objected to this phrasing, deeming it too harsh towards voters of Shas, arguing that Shas voters follow their own rabbinical leaders' directives. Consequently, revisions to the text will be considered before its release.
This postponement is separate from a prior controversy regarding signatures. The Ger Rebbe had initially refused to sign the traditional Kol Koreh, which bears the names of the Council of Torah Sages members. This refusal was reportedly due to perceived moves to advance a conscription law contrary to the Council's decisions. In response, most Rebbes stated they would not permit their signatures to be used if the Ger Rebbe did not sign.
A compromise was reached to publish the Kol Koreh under the name of the Council of Torah Sages of Agudath Israel, without individual Rebbes' signatures, a format also used by Degel HaTorah and Shas's Council of Torah Sages. The Kol Koreh is expected to be published after the revisions are finalized, amidst ongoing disagreements within Agudath Israel regarding a unified election stance.
Previously, 'HaModia' published a directive from the Ger Rebbe calling on his followers to vote for Yahadut HaTorah. Separately, the Ziditchov Hasidic community in Bnei Brak has remained silent on election directives, reportedly due to the imprisonment of the Rebbe's grandson in military prison despite intercession efforts.
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