The head of Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva, Rabbi Yaakov Shapira
Leading Religious Zionist rabbis published a letter supporting the contentious bill while calling to build unity. ‘Unity is our guiding light’
Leading religious Zionist rabbis published a letter on Sunday in support of the government’s judicial reform bill and of Justice Minister Yariv Levin (Likud) and Knesset Constitution Committee Chief MK Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionism).
“We, the rabbis of Israel, express our support concerning the important reform of the judicial system which you are working to pass. We see it as proper and appropriate correction of the judicial system, one which will bring the nation’s desires and expectations to the forefront,” the rabbis wrote.
They added, using biblical allusions:”Do not fear and do not worry. We call on you not to shy away but to continue in your important mission and to come to a final product that will strengthen the nation of Israel. Who knows whether this is the reason you rose to power. (a quote from the Purim Megillah said by Mordecai to Esther, ed.) There is extreme importance to doing this now so we don’t miss the opportunity. A clear majority elected you to accomplish this.”
According to the rabbis, in addition to continuing the process, there should be dialogue with all sectors of the population.. “Together with passing the reform, we encourage open and honest dialogue, with respect between the sides. Unity is our guiding light and is the basis of our nation’s existence throughout the generations. We hope G-d helps you and that you will be granted success in this important endeavor, your success is the success of the whole nation of Israel.”
Among those who signed the letter: Head of Kissei Rachamim Yeshiva Rabbi Meir Mazuz, Head of Merkaz HaRav Yeshiva Rabbi Yaakov Shapira, Rabbi Yehoshua Magnes, Head of Bat Yam Yeshiva Rabbi David Chai HaKohen, Head of Kiryat Arba Yeshiva (ret.) Rabbi Dov Lior, Chief Rabbi of Tsfat Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, Head of Ateret Kohanim Yeshiva Rabbi Shlomo Aviner, Head of Elon Moreh Yeshiva Rabbi Elyakim Levanon, Head of Ramat Gan Yeshiva Rabbi Yehoshua Shapira, and Head of Yeshivat Hakotel Rabbi Baruch Weider.
