Rabbi David Stav
Photo: Reuven Kapuscinski
Condemnation Ltd.
Op-ed: PM would have been quick to denounce verbal attack on Rabbi Stav had Barbra Streisand been the target
The Israel condemnation system is one of the most sophisticated in the world. When events that warrant condemnation occur - such as the slashing of tires in Abu Ghosh or the retired district judge's disgraceful chauvinistic comment - the onslaught begins while reporters are still covering the event in the field. Nearly every high-ranking public official issues a statement of condemnation. It is very important to them that we all know as soon as possible that they are shocked, appalled or angry. They do not want anyone to accuse them of being hesitant. Two hours have past and you have yet to condemn, how come?
Nearly a week has passed since the verbal attack launched by Shas spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef against Rabbi David Stav, the current frontrunner in the race to be Israel's next Ashkenazi chief rabbi. Six days have passed since Rabbi Stav was attacked at the wedding of the daughter of Shmuel Rabinowitz, the rabbi of the Western Wall. But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to condemn these incidents. He has not said one word against Rabbi Ovadia's speech and has not denounced the physical harassment of Stav. The chief rabbi candidate has been attacked repeatedly, yet the prime minister remains silent.
Religion and State
Yoaz Hendel
Op-ed: Haredi-free government offers great opportunity to separate religion and state, reduce corruption
Did he not hear the news? Of course he did. Does he believe the incidents were not severe? This is highly unlikely. Had Rabbi Ovadia directed his hateful tirade at Barbra Streisand rather than Rabbi Stav, Netanyahu would have been quick to denounce it, particularly if Streisand would have been attacked by Shas supporters at some wedding the next day. But when it comes to Rabbi Stav, Netanyahu keeps mum. He has another candidate for chief rabbi – David Lau, who, as it happens, is also Rabbi Ovadia's preferred candidate. Condemning the attacks may hurt the joint Likud-Shas effort to thwart Stav's candidacy.
In short, the prime minister's condemnations are carefully calculated. He does not censure every verbal assault, but first examines who launched the verbal attack and who was targeted; only then does he respond accordingly.
We should keep this in mind the next time Netanyahu looks straight into the camera at the opening of a Cabinet meeting and issues a strong condemnation.
