Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, rabbi of Safed and in charge of the endowment of Zion Rashbi, announced that he does not approve of Rabbi Eliezer Berland, who pleaded guilty and was convicted of committing serious offenses against women, lighting a bonfire on Zion.
In a statement issued this evening, Rabbi Eliyahu wrote: "In the eyes of the HaKedesh, the lighting of the bonfire in Meron by Berland is an abomination and an insult to the Rashbi and the hundreds of thousands of immigrants who come to ascend and be consecrated on this day.".
Rabbi Eliyahu emphasized: "If Berland violates this instruction - it is theft, and it is a mitzvah that comes with the offense. If he does this - it is theft.".
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In 'Shuvo Banim' the message is ignored.
Knesset members also attacked the 'Shuvo Banim' leader's intention to light a bonfire.
The chairman of the Education Committee, MK Yaakov Margi of Shas, told Kan News this evening that "if Rabbi Berland had respected the Torah he claims to represent, he would not have come to the Mount." However, Margi said: "The man has paid his debt to society and the authorities have no way to prevent him from coming to the Mount.".
The chairwoman of the Reform Committee, MK Rachel Azaria of Kulanu, announced that she is submitting a bill that would prohibit the participation of criminals who have committed serious and violent acts in state-sponsored events.
The elements fighting against Rabbi Berland told Haredim 10 this evening: "Even in their defeat, they are rejoicing and happy as if they are winning. We are aware of the jubilation of his followers that he is going to light one of the bonfires in Meron. The fact that all the media outlets are dealing with this lighting, calling Berland a convicted criminal, over and over and over again, no longer bothers them, because the main thing is that he lights the bonfire.".
