Chabad Movement Distances Itself From Rabbi Axelrod's Statements
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
The Chabad movement stated that Rabbi Gedaliah Axelrod's letter, which labeled politicians supporting a government with Arab parties as "pursuers," does not reflect its official position. Axelrod, 85, a former rabbinical court chairman, maintains he stands by his words. MK Michal Rozin called for his prosecution, while "Bezalmo" CEO Shai Glick condemned the demand as an attempt to silence rabbis.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Chabad movement disavowed Rabbi Gedaliah Axelrod's controversial statements about politicians.
- Rabbi Axelrod labeled politicians supporting a government with Arab parties as "pursuers."
- MK Michal Rozin demanded a criminal investigation against the 85-year-old rabbi.
- The organization "Bezalmo" condemned the call for prosecution as "silencing."
- Axelrod, a former rabbinical court chairman, stands by his remarks.
The Chabad movement has officially distanced itself from statements made by Rabbi Gedaliah Axelrod, who authored a letter labeling politicians supporting a government with Arab parties as "pursuers." The movement clarified that Axelrod's words do not represent its official stance. According to a statement, Chabad's official halachic position is determined solely by its rabbinical court, following the directives of the late Lubavitcher Rebbe. The movement emphasized that Rabbi Axelrod is not a member of this court nor holds a leadership position, and his pronouncements are his personal opinions.
Rabbi Axelrod, 85, who previously chaired the Haifa rabbinical court and served as a Chabad community rabbi there, has stated he stands by his remarks. Following his letter, Knesset Member Michal Rozin of the Democrats called for a criminal investigation and prosecution of the rabbi for incitement.
In response, Shai Glick, CEO of the organization "Bezalmo," condemned Rozin's demand, stating, "The elections have just passed, and the silencing has already begun." Glick urged the prosecution to dismiss the complaint, asserting that the era of persecuting rabbis and yeshiva heads is over.
