Prominent haredi rabbi condemns violent protests as 'false zeal'

Prominent haredi rabbi condemns violent protests as 'false zeal'

Rabbi Daniel Wolfson criticized the extremist tactics behind recent anti-draft demonstrations, warning that violence and provocation undermine the Haredi cause and only deepen public anger and division.

Rav Doniel Wolfson: Anti-Draft Violence Is Not the Way of Bnei Torah

As protests over the military draft continue to intensify, criticism is increasingly coming not only from Israel’s secular public and government officials, but also from respected figures within the chareidi world. Over the weekend, Rav Doniel Wolfson, Rosh Yeshiva of Nesivos Chochmah, strongly condemned the conduct of some anti-draft demonstrators, warning that their tactics have strayed far from the values of authentic Torah. Speaking at an event celebrating the publication of his new sefer, Rav Wolfson sharply criticized what he described as misplaced kana’us, arguing that some of the recent protests have crossed the line from principled opposition into behavior driven by emotion and confrontation. Drawing a clear distinction between fighting for Torah and reacting out of anger, Rav Wolfson said that a genuine struggle on behalf of Yiddishkeit must remain completely free of personal feelings or a desire to retaliate. “When natural emotions become part of the struggle-such as wanting to strike back or feeling that others are interfering with you-it is no longer a struggle for the sake of Heaven,” he said. “Such behavior ultimately leads to a desecration of Hashem’s name.” Rav Wolfson also took aim at extremist groups responsible for recent violent demonstrations and road blockades, accusing them of using the draft issue as a vehicle to stir unrest. He said there are individuals who “wait for opportunities like these” to inflame tensions, emphasizing that such conduct “is not the way of the sons of Torah.” {Matzav.com}