The presidency and executive board of the rabbinic organization Torat Ha’Aretz HaTova issued a statement Monday strongly condemning what they described as an attack on the status and honor of Rabbi Dov Lior, following remarks directed against him by former Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef.

The protest, titled “Protest against the offense to the great sage," was signed by Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, Rabbi Issar Klonsky and Rabbi David Chai Hakohen, along with executive board members Rabbi Eitan Eizman, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu and Rabbi Yosef Artzi.

In their opening remarks, the rabbis expressed deep pain over the incident and cited statements from the Sages concerning the obligation to defend the honor of Torah scholars.

“One who hears insult directed at Torah scholars and remains silent is punished, as stated by Rabbi Elazar son of Rabbi Shimon in the Gemara," they wrote. “And the words of the Sages are well known regarding one who disgraces a Torah scholar."

The signatories then addressed Rabbi Lior’s standing as a Torah scholar, emphasizing that they believe his stature is well established.

“The great Rabbi Dov Lior, does not require proof, consent, or approval of his greatness in Torah," they wrote. “Great ones have already testified to his greatness in Torah, his modesty, and his good character traits."

The rabbis also criticized the timing and public setting of the remarks.

“We are very pained by statements made in front of a large public, precisely before the High Holidays, at a time when everyone is careful in every word and deed," they wrote.

The organization stressed that its protest was focused solely on defending Rabbi Lior’s honor and was not intended to take a position on the separate dispute over entering the Temple Mount. “We sign our remarks with sorrow, without addressing the question of whether it is permitted or forbidden to enter the Temple Mount," the rabbis concluded.