Rabbi Dov Lando criticized for anti-Zionist remarks
Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent Haredi leader, has faced criticism for leaked remarks blaming Zionism for Arab hostility and suggesting that Torah study is the true protection for Israel. He also criticized religious Zionists serving in the IDF, claiming their rabbis teach a 'twisted Torah.'
Why it matters
The comments highlight deep-seated ideological divisions within Israeli society regarding the role of the military, the state, and religious obligation.
National-Religious Jews serving in the IDF are being killed in wars because their rabbis “teach them twisted Torah,” Rabbi Dov Lando, leading haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Litvak rabbi and spiritual head of the United Torah Judaism party, said in a leaked recording published by N12 on Monday night.Lando, head of the Slabodka Yeshiva, was recorded addressing a small group of rabbis at his home, where he was heard saying young haredi men who avoid conscription to the military should not feel remorse over the sacrifices made by the religious Zionist community."Those who are getting killed - they are being killed because we don't learn enough,” Lando was recorded as saying. “They are being killed because their rabbis teach them twisted Torah....They kill people for honor."Instead, Lando argued that those studying Torah in yeshivas are the ones protecting the country's residents.
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