Rabbi Dov Lando Responds to Controversy Over Comments on Religious Zionist Soldiers
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Rabbi Dov Lando addressed the controversy over his remarks about Religious Zionist soldiers, clarifying they were misunderstood and distorted. He condemned ideological disputes during the upcoming yeshiva vacation and reaffirmed adherence to traditional Torah views. The controversy drew strong reactions, including from Prime Minister Netanyahu and Degel HaTorah.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Dov Lando says his controversial remarks were misunderstood and distorted.
- He criticized the backlash following a private conversation with yeshiva leaders.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned the remarks, praising IDF soldiers.
- Degel HaTorah warned against misusing words of Torah sages.
- Lando advised yeshiva students to avoid ideological disputes during Bein Hazmanim.
- He reaffirmed adherence to traditional Torah teachings of the Chazon Ish and Rabbi of Brisk.
Rabbi Dov Lando, head of the Mir Yeshiva, addressed the public uproar sparked by his recent remarks perceived as critical of Religious Zionist soldiers. Speaking at a gathering of community rabbis organized by the United Yeshiva Students Association, Rabbi Lando said his words were misunderstood and distorted, particularly regarding his comments on "hatred of the peoples of the lands." He emphasized that the controversy arose from a misinterpretation of a private conversation held at his residence with other yeshiva leaders.
The backlash followed the release of a recording in which Rabbi Lando sharply criticized the "knitted kippah" community, a reference to Religious Zionists. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly rejected the remarks, affirming that IDF soldiers deserve deep appreciation. In response, the Degel HaTorah party issued a stern warning to be cautious around the words of Torah sages.
During the rabbinical meeting, Rabbi Lando also issued guidance to yeshiva students for the upcoming Bein Hazmanim (interim vacation period). He cautioned them to avoid ideological disputes with outsiders, especially those who, under the guise of faith, oppose Torah and its scholars. He stressed that their worldview aligns with that of revered predecessors such as the Chazon Ish and Rabbi of Brisk, whose teachings they continue to uphold.
Rabbi Lando’s remarks aim to clarify his position amid the heated debate and to reinforce the importance of maintaining traditional perspectives within the yeshiva community.
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