Just look at the letters of recommendation for Rav Herzog (who was a very big Zionist, had a Phd from the University of Leeds, and was extremely well versed in Latin and Greek classics and philosophy). The “chareidi” part of Eretz Yisrael didn’t want him as the Chief Rabbi so they published a forged teshuva from Rav Chaim Ozer that he can’t become Chief Rabbi because he had a Phd. Rav Chaim Ozer himself responded and said that Rav Herzog was a big gaon and should become Chief Rabbi. In addition, the Rogatchover said about him “a star is shining from England, and Yitzchak Isaac Haleivi is his name”, the Ridbaz referred to him as “Rav Akiva Eiger of this generation” and he also received very strong recommendations from Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer, the Chazon Ish, the Ohr Sameach, Rav Tuccachinsky, and other gedolim.
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