Mir Yeshiva Head Rabbi Landau Condemns Some Religious Zionists as 'Murderers'

After returning from a fundraising trip in the United States for the "Olam HaTorah Fund," Rabbi Dovid Landau, head of the Mir Yeshiva, received Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel and Rabbi Binyamin Finkel, leaders of the yeshiva, at his residence. They came to thank him for his significant efforts on behalf of the Torah world. During the meeting, Rabbi Landau sharply criticized certain Religious Zionists, referred to as "kippot serugot" (knitted kippah wearers).

Rabbi Landau expressed strong disapproval of these individuals who support state actions involving military operations, questioning the morality of endorsing killings in the name of honoring the state. He stated, "There are wicked people here, including some of the knitted kippah wearers. If the state sends soldiers and they kill people, is that permitted? That is outright murder. They incite murder and wage wars not just for salvation but for the honor of the state."

The conversation included reflections on the difficult times and the challenges faced by the Torah community, with Rabbi Landau emphasizing the severity of the situation and the need for prayer and divine assistance. The yeshiva leaders agreed on the importance of spiritual strengthening, including the acceptance of a vow of speech fasting, which was reported to have had a significant positive impact.

Rabbi Landau concluded by expressing hope that the difficult situation would pass swiftly and peacefully, urging continued prayer for improvement. The meeting highlighted tensions within the religious community regarding attitudes toward the state and its military actions, underscoring the complex dynamics between different Orthodox groups in Israel.