After Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch’s Ruling on the Draft Law — and Yated Censorship: MKs Summoned for a “Reprimand”
In what insiders describe as one of the stormiest weeks the Degel HaTorah party has seen in years, deep tensions have erupted following the decisive ruling of Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, rosh yeshivas Slabodka, on the contentious draft law.
According to sources, Rav Hirsch informed the party’s Knesset members that it was permissible to move forward with the legislation — a ruling that did not sit well with certain figures who sought to undermine his authority.
Instead of welcoming the clarity his decision provided, these individuals reportedly summoned Degel HaTorah MKs for what was described as a “reprimand meeting,” insisting that they also visit Rav Dov Landau. Their alleged motivation: “to ensure that tomorrow Yated Ne’eman can publish a picture and set its own narrative.”
Rav Hirsch’s Careful Deliberation
Since the passing of Rav Gershon Edelstein zt”l, who had long guided the chareidi approach to the draft issue, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch has been the leading authority on the matter. Known for his deep understanding of the legal and political complexities surrounding the law, he has been entrusted by the senior Torah leadership to decide how the Litvishe world should proceed.
On Tuesday night, the Degel HaTorah MKs — Moshe Gafni, Uri Maklev, and Yaakov Asher — met with Rav Hirsch to review the latest draft of the law. The meeting lasted nearly two hours, during which the Rosh Yeshiva examined each clause, consulting with legal experts and policy advisers by phone to ensure a full understanding of the implications.
Rav Hirsch did not issue an immediate ruling. He deliberated throughout the night and morning before notifying the MKs on Wednesday afternoon that, in his view, they could proceed with advancing the legislation.
Internal Power Struggles and Media Manipulation
However, the announcement triggered an internal uproar. According to multiple sources, a small group within the Litvishe establishment — connected to the Israeli Yated Ne’eman newspaper — was displeased that Rav Hirsch had been portrayed as the final arbiter.
“The person behind the backlash,” a senior insider said, “is apparently a grandson of one of the late Torah leaders who wields influence over Yated Ne’eman. He decided that only he would determine who the ‘gadol’ is. Because the public statement after the meeting mentioned Rav Dov Landau together with other members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah — rather than portraying him as the sole authority — he took revenge by ordering the Yated to completely ignore the meeting.”
The same source added that this individual later “summoned the three MKs to a rebuke session in an apartment in Bnei Brak and demanded they go to Rav Dov Landau that evening — all so he could have a photo for Yated Ne’eman the next morning, creating the false impression that Rav Landau was the one who issued the ruling.”
The Coming Court of Public Opinion
Despite what was described as “shameful political maneuvering,” the MKs agreed to visit Rav Landau, and may later also meet Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, the senior member of the Moetzes. “The MKs now understand better than ever that they cannot let a handful of power brokers dictate the narrative,” said one source, adding that the lawmakers intend to consult both rabbonim directly rather than through intermediaries.
Anger Among Rav Hirsch’s Followers
The decision by the Israeli Yated Ne’eman to censor mention of the pivotal meeting with Rav Hirsch sparked outrage among his thousands of talmidim and supporters. In a sharply worded protest letter circulated in yeshiva circles, they condemned the “blatant erasure” of the Rosh Yeshiva’s role at a time when Klal Yisroel faces a fateful moment for the future of Torah learning.
“The entire Torah world was speaking about the consultation between Degel HaTorah’s MKs and our master, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a, to receive his direction alongside his close friend Rav Dov Landau shlit”a and the members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah,” the letter stated. “For Yated Ne’eman to intentionally censor this historic consultation is not only a breach of public trust but a grievous affront to the honor of Torah leadership at a time that calls for unity.”
What Comes Next
Since Rav Gershon Edelstein’s passing, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Degel HaTorah has not convened. Rav Hirsch reportedly intends to call a formal session soon so that the Torah leadership can issue a joint position on the draft law.
Meanwhile, insiders say this episode has exposed long-simmering tensions between certain parties.
May shalom prevail.
{Matzav.com}
