Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu Defends Rabbi Dov Lando Amid Controversy Over Remarks on Religious Zionists and IDF Soldiers

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu addressed the controversy surrounding Rabbi Dov Lando's recent critical remarks about the Religious Zionist community and IDF soldiers. Speaking on Tuesday, Eliyahu expressed difficulty believing that Lando intended to convey such harsh sentiments, suggesting that Lando was misinformed and that his words were taken out of context. Eliyahu described the situation as a serious mistake and emphasized that a great Torah scholar like Lando would not make such unfounded statements.

Eliyahu called for giving Lando the benefit of the doubt, proposing that misunderstandings or poor advice from those around him might have contributed to the controversy. He stressed that the responsibility lies mainly with Lando's advisors, whom he described as potentially harmful influences capable of causing division within the Jewish people. Eliyahu likened the situation to the biblical story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza, where bad counsel led to strife.

The remarks come amid widespread backlash from Sephardic rabbis and others who condemned Lando's statements as damaging to the reputation of the Israeli people and IDF soldiers. Eliyahu urged Lando's circle to "return to repentance" to prevent further harm and division within the community.