Rabbi Dov Lando's Anti-Zionist Remarks Stir Controversy in Israel
A prominent ultra-Orthodox rabbi, Dov Lando, has ignited debate in Israel with recent comments criticizing Zionism as a "disaster" for the Jewish people.
Highlights
- Rabbi Dov Lando, a leading ultra-Orthodox figure, asserted that Zionism has brought "disasters" upon the Jewish people and fostered animosity from Arabs.
- He suggested that Jewish people might have been better off without a state, even under international or Palestinian governance.
- Lando strongly condemned soldiers adhering to Religious Zionism, claiming their deaths resulted from their rabbis teaching a "distorted Torah."
- He characterized secular Israelis as having "no connection to Judaism" and as having established a "state of apostasy and heresy."
- These statements have drawn sharp criticism from numerous Israeli politicians, who labeled them "anti-Zionist" and "a disgrace."
Details
Dov Lando, a 96-year-old rabbi born in Poland and educated in the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox tradition, leads a yeshiva, a traditional Jewish learning institution, in the Israeli community of Bnei Brak. He is a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, a council of elder ultra-Orthodox rabbis providing religious guidance, and serves as the spiritual guide for the Degel HaTorah party. This party is part of the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) alliance, which is currently a component of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition.
Recently, Israeli media circulated a video featuring Lando's year-old remarks, which included severe criticisms of Zionism, military service, and secular Israelis. In the recording, Lando stated that "it is possible to live well with the Arabs without a state" and suggested that many military operations are conducted "not for saving lives, but for the honour of the state." These comments have provoked strong reactions across the political spectrum, including from key figures in the opposition alliance challenging Netanyahu's leadership.
Why it matters
Lando's controversial statements emerge just weeks before crucial legislative elections, where the expanding influence of Israel's ultra-Orthodox community, particularly concerning military conscription, is a significant campaign issue. The political leanings of ultra-Orthodox factions could be pivotal in forming the next government. A potential break with the UTJ by Netanyahu would carry substantial political repercussions for his coalition, which is already facing a challenging election and is polling below the majority threshold. The UTJ is projected to secure eight seats in the upcoming parliament, highlighting its importance to any governing alliance. As one analyst noted, Netanyahu faces a dilemma: condemn Lando and risk alienating ultra-Orthodox voters he needs, or remain silent and provide ammunition for rivals to question his commitment to Zionism. This situation underscores the delicate balance Netanyahu must maintain to secure his political future.