Migdal HaEmek Chief Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Grossman Shlita spoke to Kol Chai Radio on Wednesday, 9 Teves 5772. The rav was asked to address the current anti-chareidi climate, among other issues. Rabbi Grossman explained that he is not a political analyst and has no intentions to address current event issues.

The rav also spoke on secular radio earlier in the day, at which time he explained that on the one hand, the state complains that chareidim do not serve in the IDF. On the other hand, when they do, such as the air force Shachar program, it is with the prearranged understanding that the military will accommodate the chareidi lifestyle as was agreed upon prior to their induction. Now, after the fact, officials wish to change this reality and this is a non-starter. The rav explained that if the state wants chareidim to enter into the IDF, it must entail “meeting our needs, for we cannot move to their lifestyle”. The rav explained this is a red line that will not be crossed, at any cost.

“You will not educate us or instruct us as to our lifestyle. If you want us, then you will have to accommodate our lifestyle. That is your job and your decision. If a soldier wishes to leave a kol isha event, he should however try his best to find a way to do so with minimum publicity, perhaps not attending it at all.

When asked to comment on current events and the recent incident involving Deputy Minister of Health Yaakov Litzman he said “Please, I am not a media commentator. It is not my job. I am not responsible to explain the actions of Rabbi Litzman who is capable of explaining his own actions. My job is to be MeKadesh Shem Shomayim, not to speak about current events”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)