Rabbi Dov Lior Backs Ben-Gvir on Temple Mount Access
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Rabbi Dov Lior has sent a rare letter of support to Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding Jewish access to the Temple Mount. The endorsement comes amid intense criticism of Ben-Gvir from established Haredi political parties and leaders. Rabbi Lior praised Ben-Gvir's efforts and encouraged him not to be deterred by his detractors.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Dov Lior expressed rare support for Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's Temple Mount policies.
- Lior's letter praised Ben-Gvir's work to improve Jewish access to the holy site.
- The endorsement arrived amid sharp attacks on Ben-Gvir from Haredi political parties.
- Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef had previously warned against voting for Ben-Gvir.
- Ben-Gvir accused Haredi activists of hypocrisy and vote-blocking tactics.
Rabbi Dov Lior, the rabbi of Kiryat Arba-Hebron and head of the Hesder Yeshiva, has sent a rare letter of support to Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding access to the Temple Mount. The letter comes amid a heated election campaign and sharp attacks on Ben-Gvir from established Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) political parties.
In his message, Rabbi Lior praised Ben-Gvir's "energetic work to improve the conditions for Jews entering the Temple Mount, ascending with holiness and purity to the permitted areas only, according to all halachic rules." He concluded with a personal message of encouragement, stating, "Do not fear and do not be dismayed by all those who try to weaken your spirit."
The timing of the support is significant, as Ben-Gvir is facing political attacks from veteran Haredi parties. Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef has sharply warned against voting for Ben-Gvir, while Ben-Gvir himself accused Haredi activists of hypocrisy and attempting to prevent Haredi votes from shifting to his party.
Attacks on Ben-Gvir from the Haredi public have intensified recently, with political and rabbinic leaders urging Haredi voters not to support his party. Rabbi Lior's letter represents a rare voice of support from the Religious Zionist sector during this period.
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