Rabbi's moderate message slammed
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Rabbi under attack
Settlers, right-wing politicians react harshly to leading settler rabbi Shlomo Aviner’s Ynet interview. “He has good intentions but is thwarting the anti-pullout struggle,” settlers say
TEL AVIV - Settlers and right-wing politicians say they are outraged over remarks made by leading settler rabbi Shlomo Aviner in an interview with Ynet.
In the interview, Aviner spoke out against violent resistance to settlement evacuation and rejected calls to block roads as part of the fight against the pullout.
Moderate Message
By Ilan Marciano
Leading settler rabbi calls on residents of settlements slated for evacuation not to resist
The Rabbi’s remarks mean he has lost his influence on the public, National Union Knesset Member Arieh Eldad said.
“Rabbi Aviner is considered one of the most influential…but now he will no longer be influential, no one will listen to him,” Eldad said.
Meanwhile, senior settler officials told Ynet they regretted reading Aviner’s remarks.
“His view is legitimate and dignified, but the remarks’ timing is unfortunate,” one official said. “His words cause Sharon to smile.”
Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, however, said Aviner expressed genuine concern for developments within Israeli society.
'Courageous remarks' lauded
“I hope to see more people with public influence adopt a similarly responsible stance that will allow us to continue living together the day after (the pullout),” she said.
Labor Knesset Member Yuli Tamir also praised Aviner, and said he should “serve as an example for others in his attempt to prevent a civil war.”
Yachad Knesset Member Ran Cohen also lauded what he called Aviner’s “courageous remarks” and said there is no doubt he represents the views held by the majority of the public, including the settlers.
The Yesha Council, meanwhile, agreed with Aviner’s contention that violence against security forces should be avoided.
“We will be in Gush Katif and Samaria with tens of thousands of supporters who would disrupt the uprooting without violence,” the Council said.
