In an unprecedented move, Rabbi Dov Lior (91), the renowned rabbi of Kiryat Arba-Hebron, head of its Hesder Yeshiva, and one of Religious Zionism's most senior rabbinical figures, has launched a scathing critique of Rabbi Yehoshua Shapira (61), who heads the Ramat Gan Hesder Yeshiva. Lior went so far as to compare Shapira's support for the Lebanon agreement to the actions of Torah scholars whose behavior contributed to the Temple's destruction.
Speaking with reporter Israel Shapira, about footage showing a 'L'Chaim' celebration at the Ramat Gan Hesder Yeshiva marking the Lebanon agreement (which was also posted on the yeshiva's official YouTube channel), Rabbi Lior cited the renowned Netziv of Volozhin, Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin. "There are Torah scholars who truly know Torah... who can brilliantly analyze Talmudic texts and offer wonderful interpretations, but when it comes to understanding how to guide the nation - they fall short."
Rabbi Lior drew historical parallels, noting that just as "great Torah scholars brought about the Temple's destruction," similarly during the Holocaust, "certain leaders perpetuated the exile by opposing both immigration to Israel and the Balfour Declaration."
"These agreements are completely untrustworthy," Rabbi Lior warned, "and any hope for peace with these evil [people] is pure delusion."
"Soon enough, you'll discover where the mistake lies," Rabbi Lior concluded. "Let us pray ... that Torah won't be twisted, and that our people won't be led according to popular opinion."
When reached for comment, Rabbi Yehoshua Shapira (no relation to this reporter) explained that the whole situation stemmed from a misunderstanding.
He clarified that the yeshiva's celebration had nothing to do with the developing Lebanon agreement.
"We raised our glasses to celebrate the victories of the past two months - from the initial warnings through Nasrallah's elimination and all the other remarkable achievements," Rabbi Shapira explained. "Sure, this marks at least a temporary conclusion, and that's what we were celebrating - not the agreement itself."
Responding to Rabbi Lior's harsh criticism, Rabbi Shapira showed characteristic humility: "Rabbi Lior is a Torah giant, while I certainly am not. I'm unworthy of comparison." He added, "This reaction came from a misinterpretation of our intent. We were simply celebrating our victories."
As for the developing Lebanon agreement itself, Rabbi Shapira described it as "a compromise we've been forced to accept," but stressed that this wasn't what prompted the yeshiva's celebration.
Kikar HaShabbat contributed to this article.
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