Haaretz Podcast 'Astonishing backlash': Hear the Orthodox rabbi who spoke out against Gaza's famine and settler violence
Sep 2, 2025
Rabbi Yosef Blau, an 86-year-old Orthodox educator and former leader of Religious Zionists of America, finds himself at the center of controversy after authoring an open letter signed by 80 rabbis calling for action on Gaza's humanitarian crisis. He passionately discusses the shift in religious Zionism towards the extreme right and the moral imperative for compassion. Judy Maltz, a Haaretz correspondent, sheds light on the backlash faced by Blau and others who advocate for progressive stances, emphasizing the tension between traditional beliefs and social responsibility.
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Orthodox Rabbis Claim Moral Responsibility
- The petition argued Israel shares responsibility for Gaza's humanitarian crisis even as it blamed Hamas primarily.
- It framed Orthodox rabbis as having a unique moral duty to affirm Judaism's compassion for all humans.
Signatories Were Mainstream, Not Fringe
- The signatories are mainly moderate modern Orthodox rabbis, not extreme leftists, including many who support progressive Orthodox causes.
- Their affiliation with groups like Torah Chaim and inclusion of women rabbis made the letter unusual for Orthodox public stances.
Backlash Targeted Voice, Not Facts
- Backlash came mainly from conservative Orthodox corners, with signatories labeled traitors and kapos on social media.
- Critics targeted the act of publicly criticizing Israel rather than disputing the letter's factual claims about famine or settler violence.