image sourced from original article at Rabbi Yosef Blau, a respected spiritual adviser and longtime leader in Modern Orthodoxy, recently authored an open letter signed by 80 Orthodox rabbis calling for moral clarity and responsibility from Israel in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The letter condemned Hamas but also criticized the Israeli government's handling of the hunger crisis, urging greater efforts to prevent mass starvation and denouncing extremist rhetoric and settler violence in the West Bank.
Blau's statement sparked intense debate within the Orthodox community, with supporters praising its moral stance and critics accusing the signers of representing a fringe viewpoint and undermining Israel's position. In interviews, Blau defended the letter's intent, emphasizing the importance of presenting a model of Judaism rooted in ethical values and open dialogue, even if it challenges prevailing political attitudes.
He expressed concern about the rightward shift of religious Zionism and the impact of political extremism on Israel's image and Jewish identity, arguing that criticism from committed Zionists can strengthen ties to Israel by upholding moral standards. Blau also reflected on his role as a spiritual adviser, prioritizing support for students and the broader need for values-based leadership in the Jewish community.
