JERUSALEM – Rabbi Dov Landau, a prominent leader within Israel’s Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community, has instructed representatives of the Degel HaTorah political party to withdraw from all participation in Zionist institutions, citing ideological differences. In a letter published in the ultra-Orthodox daily Yated Ne’eman, Landau criticized Zionism as a secular movement “rooted in heresy and rebellion against divine sovereignty,” urging that any involvement in Zionist institutions is a form of support for beliefs that contradict traditional Jewish values.
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Landau’s opposition comes amid ongoing debates about the role of ultra-Orthodox communities within Zionist frameworks. While Israel’s ultra-Orthodox factions have long distanced themselves from the Zionist project, recent shifts have seen more Orthodox participation in institutions like the World Zionist Organization (WZO). However, Landau’s stance remains firm in rejecting involvement in these bodies, emphasizing the theological divide between secular Zionism and religious Judaism.
The directive to withdraw from the WZO and its affiliated bodies could have significant implications for Degel HaTorah, a key faction within the United Torah Judaism party. The WZO, which oversees influential bodies like the Jewish Agency and the Jewish National Fund, plays a critical role in global Jewish affairs. The decision marks a deepening rift in Israel’s religious-political landscape, particularly in relation to the ultra-Orthodox community’s interaction with secular institutions.
There’s a note at the end of the letter saying that they should continue to vote as was decided by leaders of earlier generations. But earlier generations of Agudah leaders (before the Degel/aAgudah split) also called on their followers to join the fight to defend Jews living in Eretz haKodesh – there’s a Kol Koreh from 1948, issued by Agudah, calling on all men ages 17-25 to take up arms and defend their fellow Jews. It’s important to be consistent – if voting is still allowed because earlier leaders said it was, why not helping defend one’s fellow Jews?
Same story. The Government wants all citizens to be equal, all should partake in the defense of the country, including Chareidim, Chasidish, Litvish. And of course it also includes children and grandchildren of Rebbes and Roshei Yeshivos. Oh Oh here you hit a nerve.
The Government sees them all as equal.
Couldn’t the reporter have found a more favorable photo of the Rav smiling?
Why is this newsworthy?
Instead of withdrawing, unite and overtake.
His party is in the Zionist government
But they still take money from the Israeli/ Zionist government. The old Latin phrase stile applies: pecunia non habet odorem Or money has no odor.
Why not join and take over the army in spirit of Yahadus?
The photo of this rabbi speaks volume. If they really want to protest, stop taking money from “Zionists.”
Best News yet!!
They will stop taking money from the Zionist, and let those that work hard every day keep his money.
Thank you Great Rabbi -if just all charedim follow you.
He needs to demand his followers stop taking swine money from the state as well. If he does this, than he will be making a massive kiddush Hashem like Satmer. Otherwise it will chalila be a huge chilul hashem exposing a level of hypocrisy klal yisroel has never seen.
when you aren’t the majority you bolt? if you and your brother have a theological argument you leave the family? isn’t part of Judaism heated arguments? stay in the conversation, don’t leave like a sore loser or bully who doesn’t get his way
“The WZO, which oversees influential bodies like the Jewish Agency and the Jewish National Fund, plays a critical role in global Jewish affairs.” They mean “Israeli” affairs.
I’d have more respect for this “leader” if he put his money where his mouth was and told his misguided followers to stop taking any funding from the Israeli government and to stop voting – the classic Eida position. Now, he wants his followers to take no responsibility – but as much cash as they can. An example of “sheli sheli, veshelach sheli” – and we all know what the Mishna calls someone who says that.
This is the right mehalech the Zionists are part of the amalek sitra