Prominent Rabbi Urges Vote Amid Persecution Fears
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Rabbi Abraham Saliem has been urging rabbis to support election participation due to perceived dangers to yeshiva students. Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer, previously opposed to voting, issued a rare public letter calling for participation after meeting with Rabbi Saliem. In a separate development, Rabbi Moshe Tzadka stated that those voting should support the Shas party, following a meeting with other prominent rabbis.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Abraham Saliem is urging rabbis to support election participation due to dangers to yeshiva students.
- Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer issued a rare letter calling for public participation in elections.
- Rabbi Sofer's letter cites the persecution of yeshiva students as a reason to vote.
- Rabbi Moshe Tzadka stated that voters should cast their ballot for the Shas party.
- The meetings occurred amid discussions on the conscription law and yeshiva student status.
Rabbi Abraham Saliem, a member of the Council of Torah Sages, has undertaken a campaign to persuade rabbis who traditionally oppose participating in elections to change their stance, citing the current "hour" and "danger to the world of Torah." During his visits, Rabbi Saliem strongly emphasized the obligation to participate, stating that "in this fateful battle, one who does not vote violates the prohibition of 'Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.'"
The pivotal moment occurred during Rabbi Saliem's visit to Rabbi Yaakov Chaim Sofer, head of the 'Kef HaChaim' yeshiva. Rabbi Sofer, who had previously opposed election participation, was reportedly moved by the dire situation of yeshiva students and agreed to issue a public letter encouraging people to vote. Following this meeting, Rabbi Sofer released a rare handwritten letter calling on the public to participate in the elections.
In his letter, dated October 24, 2026 (14 Cheshvan 5787), Rabbi Sofer urged, "Urgent call! In light of the situation in the Holy Land, where yeshiva students are being persecuted, one must heed the opinion of the great rabbis and yeshiva heads as a temporary decree, and go out and act and vote."
Meanwhile, other prominent figures, including First to the Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef and Council of Torah Sages members Moshe Maya and Shmuel Betzalel, met with Rabbi Moshe Tzadka, head of the 'Porat Yosef' yeshiva. This meeting was reportedly held due to concerns that Rabbi Tzadka might sign a letter prohibiting voting for the Shas party. Following discussions on the conscription law and the status of yeshiva students, Rabbi Tzadka stated that those participating in the elections should vote for Shas.
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