Q&A: The Third Path – The Damage of the Religious Zionist Path
The Third Path – The Damage of the Religious Zionist Path
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I understood that the Third Path will offer an alternative to the two main existing paths (the Haredi and the Religious Zionist ones).
I would be glad to understand from the Rabbi what damage he identifies in the Religious Zionist public / leadership.
It seems that they combine Torah / work / army service, so I don’t see any lack or damage to society.
I’d appreciate an explanation. Thank you.
Answer
My problem with the Haredim is not the army. That is one symptom of a much deeper problem. So the fact that the Hardalim combine army service does not mean there is no problem. My problem is with the Hardalim, not with the Religious Zionists. But the Hardalim are perceived as representing Religious Zionism and as its leaders. Most of the public, who do not see them that way, has no public voice.
The Hardal approach is a very problematic outlook in many respects (see Column 19 on sectarianism). Just think about a situation in which the leading rabbi of your generation sends a letter of support to President Katsav, who was convicted of rape. The man is unhinged and has no connection to reality. And yet everyone sees him as their leader. Their attitude toward women and toward academia, and of course toward people with other views, their conduct regarding the Chief Rabbinate, their cooperation with the Haredim in the coalition (which is of course accompanied by a lot of inferiority feelings, entirely justified), the theological Marxism that sees demons under every green tree. Their theological delusions that guide them in making decisions, and so on and so on. A bunch of delusional people.