Detailed Description |
|
Rare pamphlet attacking Hassidei Belz by Neturei Karta. The title page describes it as opposing the rebellion of Hassidei Belz in Jerusalem against the unified Heredi community. The Belzer community established its own independent shehitah in Jerusalem, collecting the signatures of many associated rabbis, thus establishing a separate kehilla. The pamphlet notes Belz’s association with Agudat Israel and their participation in elections for the heretical Kenesset and for the Zionist city. It asks, given Belz’s past associations, how they plan to dance at two weddings. It notes that the previous Belzer Rebbe, who resided in Tel Aviv for many years, did not separate himself Now Belz, under the current Rebbe, Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach accepts money from the state for its schools, and associates with the state.
Neturei-Karta is the Aramaic term for "Guardians of the City.” The group was founded in Jerusalem, Palestine in 1938, splitting off from Agudat Israel. Neturei-Karta’s position is that Agudat Israel, established in 1912 for the purpose of fighting Zionism, gradually lured by money and honor, sold out to the "Golden-Calf" (see Exodus, XXXII) of Zionism. Those who wanted to maintain their faith and continue the struggle against Zionism, dissociated themselves from Agudat Israel and associated parties.
Belz, in contrast, takes a completely different position. Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach, in the early years of his tenure, adopted a somewhat revolutionary policy, by Hasidic standards, of engagement with the secular government of Israel. Under the umbrella of the Agudat Israel political party, he sent delegates to the Israeli Knesset and instructed his followers to vote in general elections. This stance angered the Satmar community. Satmar activists obtained signatures from significant segments of the Haredi communities in Israel in an attempt to denounce and ostracize the present Belzer Rebbe. This episode created a lasting rift between the Belzer and Satmar communities, reflected in this pamphlet.
|