Rabbi Dov Lando Criticizes National-Religious Community as 'No Less Wicked'

Rabbi Dov Lando, a leading figure in the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community, sharply criticized the national-religious (Dati Leumi) public during a meeting with the head and supervisor of the Mir yeshiva, who had come to thank him for his efforts in the United States on behalf of the Torah world. In the conversation, Rabbi Lando accused the national-religious community, particularly those wearing knitted kippot, of being no less wicked than others responsible for harsh decrees against the ultra-Orthodox.

He further claimed that the national-religious community supports wars that are not aimed at saving lives but rather for the honor of the state. Rabbi Lando stated that sending soldiers to fight and kill in such wars amounts to murder and accused the community of inciting such violence. He criticized their approach, saying they have no coherent ideology other than viewing the state as a supreme value.

When asked how to pray during these difficult times, Rabbi Lando responded that they should pray for divine help and that the current troubles would pass like a fleeting dream or a disappearing cloud, without offering specific advice.

This confrontation highlights deep divisions between the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox and the national-religious sectors in Israel, particularly regarding attitudes toward the state and military service.