Rabbi Dov Lando Slams New Ultra-Orthodox Party and Vows Fierce Opposition
Rabbi Dov Lando has issued a sharp letter against supporters of the new 'HaTzibur HaHaredi' party, vowing to fight the faction. The party seeks to represent working ultra-Orthodox Israelis ahead of the Knesset elections.
Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent leader of the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community, has sent a sharp letter to a rabbi supporting the newly formed "HaTzibur HaHaredi" party, vowing to fight the movement with all his strength and accusing it of severely harming ultra-Orthodox society. Revealed by the "Latchila" website, the letter compares the party's activities to grave religious prohibitions and calls on its supporters to retract their backing.
According to the report, the letter was dispatched after a supporting rabbi visited Lando's home, spoke with his son, and raised questions regarding the future of working ultra-Orthodox individuals and those serving in the military. In response, Lando penned a handwritten note stating that he views the party's platform as a serious detriment to the community.
"My son told me of your words, which are great nonsense if not great wickedness," Lando wrote at the opening of the letter, adding, "I will fight against you with all the strength I have and do not have, for you are doing great damage to ultra-Orthodox Judaism."
Lando went on to equate the actions of the party's supporters to severe halachic transgressions, writing, "Your actions are like eating forbidden fat on Yom Kippur and leavened bread on Passover." He concluded with a direct plea: "Turn back, turn back from this and do not cause harm."
The letter emerged amid an intense battle for ultra-Orthodox votes ahead of elections for the 26th Knesset. The "HaTzibur HaHaredi" party, led by Beit Shemesh Deputy Mayor Moti Leitner, seeks to offer an alternative to traditional factions such as United Torah Judaism and Shas, specifically targeting working ultra-Orthodox populations who feel underrepresented.
The new faction advocates for the military enlistment of ultra-Orthodox youths who do not study full-time, while opposing sanctions and arrests, and promoting integration into the workforce and higher education. This platform has drawn fierce opposition from the traditional rabbinical leadership, who fear vote splitting and a challenge to their authority.
Amid these political tensions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly met with Leitner this week, urging him to withdraw from the parliamentary race. Leitner did not immediately rule out stepping down, but has not yet announced a withdrawal from the upcoming elections.
