Family of Rabbi Yizdi Stands Firm Amid Controversy Over His Harsh Remarks

The family of Rabbi Yosef Aryeh Yizdi, head of the Beit Abba kollel in Bnei Brak, has publicly responded for the first time to the widespread condemnation following his severe criticism of IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. Rabbi Yizdi called Zamir "accursed" during a protest rally in Bnei Brak, sparking sharp rebukes from political leaders including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Shas party, and Rabbi Moshe Maya, elder of the Council of Torah Sages.

In an exclusive interview with Kikar HaShabbat, Rabbi Yizdi's eldest son, Rabbi Yehuda Yizdi, explained that his father's comments stemmed from heartbreak rather than hatred or political motives. He cited the rabbi's distress upon hearing about a Haredi soldier punished for wearing a "Messiah" patch, emphasizing that Rabbi Yizdi is deeply devoted to Torah law and not interested in media attention. The rabbi himself described his words as a "slip of the tongue" but criticized the Prime Minister and Shas for not supporting Torah scholars.

The family also addressed the harsh denunciation issued by Shas, expressing respect for the party's leaders and affirming ongoing warm relations with Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi. Rabbi Moshe Maya's statement condemning the rabbi's language as unbefitting Torah was noted, but the family stressed that the remarks were made with rabbinic consultation and approval.

Regarding financial matters, Rabbi Yehuda Yizdi clarified that contrary to misleading reports, his father receives only about 600 shekels monthly from the state for the kollel, with larger budgets belonging to the broader organization. The family concluded with a call for unity among the Jewish people, while Rabbi Yizdi's wife firmly stated that he will not retract his statements.