A group of Orthodox rabbis denounced the rising settler violence in the West Bank and called on the Israeli government to confront the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In a statement released this week, 80 rabbis from the Modern Orthodox movement, led by Rabbi Yosef Blau, appealed for “moral clarity” and “responsibility,” insisting that Jewish values compel action to protect civilians.
“The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza is one of the most serious in recent history,” the rabbis said. “Hamas’s sins and crimes do not absolve the Israeli government from its obligation to make every effort to prevent mass starvation.”
While condemning Hamas for its October 2023 attack and for using civilians as “human shields,” the rabbis said Israel’s prolonged military operations have “devastated Gaza,” restricted vital aid, and raised “the specter of an impending famine.”
They criticized government policies that blocked convoys of food and medicine, warning that desperation is deepening rather than weakening Hamas.
The appeal also challenged the rise of hardline rhetoric in Israel, including what it described as “disturbing proposals” by ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir to pursue “total victory” at the expense of hostages and civilians.
“My support for Israel and Zionism stems from my commitment to Judaism,” said Blau, a former leader at Yeshiva University in New York who recently moved to Israel. “Uncritical loyalty contradicts introspection, which is fundamental to Judaism. When religion is used to justify the cult of power, it distorts basic morality.”
Among the signatories are prominent Jewish leaders such as Rabbi David Rosen, former Chief Rabbi of Ireland and a leading figure in interfaith dialogue, along with senior rabbis from Israel, Europe, and North America.
The appeal coincided with mounting fears of a new Israeli offensive in Gaza. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said neighborhoods near the Holy Family parish in Gaza City had received evacuation orders.
“Our people on the ground testify that the sound and impact of the shelling are coming dangerously close to the parish compound itself,” it said.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa assured the Patriarchate would “continue to monitor matters on the ground and will report any developments,” adding: “We stand with our brothers in Gaza and pray for an immediate end to this war.” – with reports from AsiaNews
