Agudas Yisroel Election Endorsement Delayed Again as Rebbes Debate Wording
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The publication of the traditional election Kol Koreh issued by the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel has been postponed for a second time as discussions continue among leading Rebbes over the wording of the document ahead of Tuesday's Knesset elections.
According to reports in the Chareidi media, Rabbi Yaakov Walzer, secretary of the Moetzes, instructed the newspapers Hamodia and Hamevaser not to publish the proclamation in their Sunday editions. Monday, October 26, is now being considered as the new publication date, although a final agreement has not yet been reached.
The disagreement centers on language in the original proclamation stating that those who do not vote for United Torah Judaism would indirectly contribute to a Chillul Hashem and bear serious responsibility.
Several Rebbes objected to the wording, expressing concern that it could be understood as condemning voters who support Shas while following the guidance of their own Gedolei Yisroel.
The Ger Rebbe reportedly raised this concern, questioning how such language could apply to individuals who are acting in accordance with the instructions of their rabbinical leaders.
In response, a revised version was prepared that removes the disputed statement while maintaining the Moetzes' position regarding United Torah Judaism.
Rabbi Walzer reportedly circulated the amended document among the Rebbes' representatives on Friday and Motzaei Shabbos in an effort to reach an agreement.
However, discussions continued without a final resolution, resulting in another postponement.
The wording dispute follows a separate disagreement involving the Ger Rebbe, who declined to add his personal signature to the traditional election proclamation.
According to earlier reports, the refusal was connected to internal disagreements within Agudas Yisroel, including concerns raised by Ger representatives over efforts to advance military draft legislation allegedly contrary to decisions of the Moetzes.
Following the Ger Rebbe's refusal, other Rebbes reportedly indicated that they would not permit their individual signatures to appear unless his signature was included as well.
A compromise was subsequently proposed under which the proclamation would be issued collectively in the name of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, without the individual signatures of its members.
The separate dispute over the document's wording has nevertheless prevented its publication.
Representatives of the Rebbes are continuing discussions over whether to approve the revised language or develop an alternative acceptable to the members of the Moetzes.
As of the latest reports, the final wording and publication date remain unresolved.