Rabbi Lau Withdraws From New Haredi Journalists Council Launch Amid Political Controversy

Rabbi David Lau has canceled his participation in the upcoming launch event of the newly formed Haredi Journalists Council, scheduled for tomorrow. This decision followed a report by journalist Yishai Friedman revealing that the council is backed by a group called "Zricha Fund," managed by Avi Widerman, who is linked to left-wing political activism. Widerman's past includes leading the "New Majority" association, which sought to unite left and center parties to replace the right-wing government, and he has openly expressed hopes for the decline of the Likud party.

The establishment of the council comes amid concerns that left-leaning organizations have been attempting to influence the Haredi community from within. One such organization mentioned is "Mothers at the Front," associated with the Kaplan protest movement. Following inquiries from the news desk C14, Rabbi Lau's office clarified that he is currently abroad on a mission to strengthen ties with the Jewish diaspora and has no involvement in the council's creation or its backers. Although invited to deliver a religious blessing at the launch, Rabbi Lau will not participate in any council activities.

The statement emphasized Rabbi Lau's focus on promoting unifying Judaism, Torah teaching, and support for Jews worldwide, distancing him from political matters and any knowledge of Avi Widerman's background. The controversy highlights tensions within the Haredi community regarding external political influences and the origins of new communal initiatives.