Ofer Winter slams rabbi who said it was against Jewish law to vote for party with Arab-Israeli
The Tzohar Rabbinical Organization rejected Aviner’s interpretation, saying leading halachic authorities had already ruled that Jews may vote for non-Jewish candidates for the Knesset.
Ofer Winter, the chairman of the People of Israel Party, criticized President of the Ateret Kohanim Yeshiva Rabbi Shlomo Aviner on Wednesday for stating that voting for the party is against Jewish law due to the presence of Arab-Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad as the party's second Knesset candidate. Winter recounted his own experience serving alongside non-Jewish soldiers during various conflicts, emphasizing their loyalty and bravery.
He described Haddad as embodying the spirit of Israel, highlighting his military service and contributions to the nation. Aviner argued that Jewish law forbids voting for a party with a non-Jewish candidate in a leading position, citing Maimonides' Laws of Kings. However, Tzohar Rabbinical Organization rejected Aviner's interpretation, citing examples of non-Jewish individuals who have served in significant leadership roles and contributed to the state's strength, arguing that voting for such a candidate is in line with Israel's Jewish identity and democratic principles.
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