In an interview with Maariv, Tel Aviv Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau Shlita addressed last week’s Kikar Shabbos rally during which participants wore yellow stars and small children were dressed in striped clothing depicting concentration camp uniforms.
The rav stated that when he saw the photos in a chareidi publication he was “shocked” and while the chareidi public feels persecuted the use of these symbols simply is unacceptable, calling it blasphemous. He went on to condemn those who throw rocks and shout “Shabbes”, which itself is prohibited, yet alone labeling others “Nazi” in the act.
Regarding the small boys who were dressed in striped uniforms, he explained that he is afraid that when these children grow up and realize just how they were exploited in their youth, it will have a profound negative impact on their emunah.
He rejected any attempt to compare any Jew with Nazis, who committed the heinous atrocities that he saw with his own eyes, rejecting any and all attempts to justify such comparisons. He lashed out at the so-called ‘price tag’ activists as well for their attacks against IDF soldiers, dismissing any attempt to justify their behavior.
He feels that the penal code should address such instances, the use of symbols from that dark era, warning that the use of these symbols causes survivors like himself insomnia and nightmares.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
Rabbi Lau is 100% correct. My only issue is that at the pro Gush Katif rally several years ago, the National Religious did exactly the same thing with no objection.
On a related topic, those who unilaterally condemn the Chareidim in Bais Shemesh, please read the Ami article this past week by the Mayor, himself National Religious. This article opened mine and my wife’s eyes and should temper anti-Chareidi criticism from fair minded people.
Well if we call them “Crusaders” or “Cossacks”, we’ll sound very out of date, and risk insulting some goyim (descendants of the originals) with whom we now have reasonably good relations. Since calling someone a “Nazi” is an insult (and highly defamatory), even in modern Germany, it’s a very good slur, is clearly understood in saying the person is an enemy of tje Jewish people, Torah and yiddishkeit, and doesn’t insult anyone whom we don’t wish to insult.
A statement like this is well over due. I don’t understand why the Gedolei Yisroel do not stand together with one voice against these demonstrations and acts of foolish Chillulei HaShem and place people who publicly cause detriment to the image of a Torah adherent in Cherem.
These hooligans, who continuosly stage such demonstrations and single acts of hatred towards precious Neshamos, are dangerous to Klal Yisroel (Frum and Chiloni). I do not need to endure on the details of their poor judgement and ignorant ideals; that we as a sharp minded reasonable people already understand. However, as long as these fringe groups (and every Yid for that matter) continue to cause enmity and breed hatred within the Am Kadosh we all will bear the brunt and endure consequence. Haven’t we had enough Galus? Let us not forget that we have a Din of Aravus (to be utilized in an Ahavasdik way). Everything we do sends a message to the world. Step up Gedolim and shepherd our people!
Respectfully,
CE