After receiving the approval of Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein, the state moved ahead with criminal indictments against Rabbi Shalom Wolpe and Rabbi Shabtai Weintraub for their actions supporting and encouraging insubordination in the IDF. The rabbonim are affiliated with the Rabbanei Eretz Yisrael, which adamantly opposes land concessions to the PA (Palestinian Authority). Rav Wolpe, 66, a Chabad chossid, is a hard-liner regarding land concessions. He is a resident of Kiryat Malachi. Rabbi Weintraub, 42, is a resident of Betar Illit. They are facing charges of incitement.
According to the indictment, 4.5 years ago in Cheshvan 5770, two soldiers from the Shimshon Battalion at a swearing-in ceremony at the Kosel waved signs that they will not take part in ousting Jews from their home, signs saying “Shimshon Battalion Soldiers do not Carry Out Expulsions from Chomesh”.
The two soldiers were sent to military lockup for 20 days. After their release a festive event was held in their honor hosted by Rabbi Wolpe and Rabbi Weintraub. The soldiers were presented with certificates of recognition and a cash prize to make up for their lost salary while imprisoned and more. Weintraub announced similar acts of insubordination in defense of Eretz Yisrael would be acknowledged as well.
Rav Wolpe also faces charges in a second case dating back to 20 Menachem Av 5771 when a soldier refused an order, unwilling to be part of a force removing Jews from Ramat Migron. This soldier was jailed for 20 days too.
In keeping with his promise, an event recognizing his sacrifice on behalf of Eretz Yisrael was help by Rabbi Wolpe and once again a certificate and cash were on hand. He was awarded 1,000 shekels for each day of imprisonment.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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7 Responses
I was never a supporter of the Neturei Karta, but after seeing the rishus perpetrated by the medina against the Torah and rabbanim I’m beginning to think they have a point.
1. The medina itself isn’t interested in Torah umitzvos because zionism doesn’t believe in that.
#1 lkwdmama:
the neturei karta do as much bad for our torah and yiddishkeit as the chilonim do. You must’ve not been so against the NK to begin with or you just don;t understand how bad they are. That being said: It is unbelievable what is going on in eretz yisroel today. But it’s nothing new to anyone. Even to those that are chareidi and vote and take money from the govt.
Yasher koach to Rabbis Wolpe and Weintraub. G-d should continue to bless them with Koach to save klal yisroel and EY from leftists and misguided right-wingers (frum and non-frum) who couldn’t care less about giving away land for piece.
Mazal tov u “c their. Point”
The Israelis really should adopt the concept of Freedom of Speech.
American got rid of prosecutions for seditious libel over 200 years ago.
lkwdmama – I think you mean Satmar. NK is known for their radical actions, such as hugging Rashaim such as Arafat YM”S and declaring that Israel belongs to the Arabs. Satmar follows Rav Yoel, zt”l. NK follow the wickedness of their hearts.