Rabbi Warns Noam Party's Independent Run Risks Right-Wing Votes

Rabbi Yoel Katan is sharply criticizing the Noam party's decision to run independently in the upcoming elections, warning it could cost the right-wing and religious bloc valuable Knesset seats. He claims, citing Rabbi Yosef Kellner, that the move is a political maneuver aimed at influencing future elections.

Katan previously argued that while some may view Noam's decision to continue its campaign despite a negligible chance of passing the electoral threshold as "rational," the potential damage to the Jewish people outweighs any uncertain benefits. He distinguished between followers of Rabbi Tau, whose voting choices he respects, and others who might vote for Noam, cautioning them against potentially harming the nation, state, and Torah.

While Katan received support for his views, some disagreed, including important Torah scholars. He noted that even among prominent rabbis at the Har HaMor Yeshiva, many oppose Noam's independent run, suggesting their silence on supporting ads speaks volumes. These rabbis, he stated, understand that this step is "one step too far."

Furthermore, Katan highlighted recent statements from Rabbi Yosef Kellner, who, under pressure from his rabbis, reportedly reversed his earlier opposition to Noam's solo bid. Kellner is quoted as saying that Noam has no chance of passing the electoral threshold and that the decision to run "to the end" is an "aggressive political maneuver" intended to signal to other parties, "If not for these elections, then for the next ones, don't mess with us!"

Katan concluded by reiterating his prayer that Noam's supporters will be few and that they will not succeed in harming the Torah, the people, or the land. He urged readers not to vote for Noam, calling it dangerous and a risk to everyone.