In Rare Political Comment, Leading Haredi Rabbi Endorses Trump for President
Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetzky (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
In an extremely rare comment on politics, Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetzky, one of the most highly respected Ultra-Orthodox rabbis alive today, endorsed Donald Trump in his bid for reelection.
In an interview with Yisroel Besser of Mishpacha magazine, Rabbi Kaminetzky said, “You see the [situation], the anarchy… it’s frightening. G-d has become a dirty word in much of America, religion and religious institutions are their enemy. We need Rachamei Shamayim [the mercy of heaven]. If Trump doesn’t win in November, it’s worrisome.”
In the interview, the rabbi was asked if he recommended that people vote for Trump.
“Yes, I think people should vote for him,” Rabbi Kaminetzky said. “He’s done a good job. It’s hakaras hatov [recognition of good/gratitude].”
Besser then asked the Rosh Yeshiva: “But what about the fact that the current president is sometimes less than a positive role model?”
“That has nothing to do with politics,” Rabbi Kaminetzky said. “That’s because he’s a gvir, a wealthy man.”
The rabbi then cited a Jewish aphorism.
“Ashir ya’aneh azus — wealthy, powerful people have a way of speaking and acting that is not refined. That’s not a reason not to vote for him.”
Rabbi Kamenetsky is the co-founder and dean of the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia. He is one of the most widely known living Haredi leaders outside of Israel.
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