Rabbi Chaim Druckman Shlita sends a message to supporters via dati leumi websites that out of respect for Rabbi Shlomo Aviner Shlita, he has remained silent to date but he cannot continue doing so. Rabbi Druckman accuses Rabbi Aviner of “using Bayit Yehudi as his punching bag”.

While some leading dati leumi rabbonim have abandoned Bayit Yehudi, Rabbi Druckman remains Naftali Bennett’s loyal rav and advisor. Rabbi Aviner recently stated that Eli Yishai’s new party teamed with former Bayit Yehudi MK Yoni Chetboun can bring bracha to Am Yisrael. Rabbi Aviner accuses Bayit Yehudi of abandoning rabbonim and acting contrary to halacha by supporting religion and state legislation that is contrary to leading poskim.

Rabbi Druckman praises the political party and its gain in the past elections, crediting Naftali Bennett for the party’s continued growth. He insists that matters of religion of state were addressed by a vaad rabbonim made up of himself along with Rabbi Yaakov Ariel Shlita, Rabbi Tzefanya Drori Shlita, Rabbi Zalman Melamed Shlita and Rabbi Nachum Rabinowitz Shlita. He adds of late, Rabbi Isser Klonsky Shlita and Rabbi Chaim Steiner Shlita have recently joined the rabbinical forum. Rabbi Druckman points out that allegations that the party does not act in line with the words of rabbonim are simply untrue.

“Bayit Yehudi has clear red lines” writes Rabbi Druckman, who is perturbed by Rabbi Aviner writing “Their only red line is their seat” [in Knesset].

Rabbi Druckman challenges Rabbi Aviner’s information, which he states is erroneous. He calls on Rav Aviner to represent the ideal of the dati leumi camp proudly and with kovod and even if he disagrees with Bayit Yehudi, to refrain from spreading disinformation which may harm the party and its leaders.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)