Against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations for a hostage release deal, prominent rabbis from the national religious sector published a letter on Tuesday urging the government to make every effort to reach an agreement.
The rabbis, who are not affiliated with the Religious Zionism party but belong to the broader religious Zionist community, wrote: “We believe that at this time, after the heavy blows the IDF has dealt to terrorist organizations in the north and south – eliminating most of their leaders, and following the impressive operation in Syria, Israel stands in a position of significant strength. This position allows Israel to bear the painful costs necessary to bring home our brothers and sisters, who have endured unimaginable suffering for so long and whose lives are in increasing danger every day.”
Among the signatories are Rabbi Baruch Gigi and Rabbi Moshe Lichtenstein, heads of Yeshivat Har Etzion; Rabbi David Stav, chairman of the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization; Rabbi Yuval Cherlow, head of Yeshivat Orot Shaul; Rabbi Yehuda Gilad, head of Yeshivat Maale Gilboa; Rabbi Meir Nehorai, chairman of Beit Hillel and rabbi of Moshav Masuot Yitzhak; Rabbi Moshe Speter of Kibbutz Kfar Etzion; Rabbi Shmuel David, rabbi of the city of Afula; and others.
In their letter, the rabbis emphasized that “the return of all the hostages, one of the war’s declared objectives, is a religious and moral obligation. It is essential to end their unbearable suffering, ease the anguish of their families, and strengthen Israel’s sense of social responsibility and mutual solidarity. Alongside our prayers for the hostages three times a day, we must take the necessary steps to turn those prayers into reality.”
Nehorai told Ynet: “Three or four months ago, we would not have issued such a call. But now it seems the time is ripe for this move. We are not protesting against the government – we are strengthening and supporting it. I believe that such an operation to release the hostages would inspire national morale, heal divisions and create a unifying atmosphere that would give us the strength to continue the fight as needed.”
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
Earlier this week, leading rabbis from the religious Zionist movement, including several close to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, toured Kibbutz Nir Oz and the site of the Nova music festival. The rabbis prayed, expressed solidarity with residents and stated: “We hope for the hostages’ return and support the Israeli government in reaching an agreement to secure their release without compromising security or endangering other lives.”