The traditional election endorsement issued by the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel has been postponed until Sunday following objections from several Rebbes over language that they believe could be offensive to Shas voters.

According to a report by Kikar HaShabbat, the secretary of the Moetzes, Rabbi Yaakov Walzer, instructed the Chareidi newspapers Hamodia and Hamevaser to hold off on publishing the official Kol Koreh ahead of Tuesday’s Knesset elections.

The controversy centers on a passage in the original document declaring that anyone who does not vote for United Torah Judaism is causing a Chillul Hashem.

Several Rebbes reportedly objected to the wording, arguing that it unfairly includes those voting for Shas, who are also following the instructions of their own Gedolei Yisroel.

The objections prompted a decision to revise the language before publication.

The delay comes amid a separate controversy involving the Gerrer Rebbe, who refused to sign the traditional election proclamation bearing the individual names of the Rebbes serving on the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah.

According to the report, the Gerrer Rebbe’s refusal stems from internal disagreements within Agudas Yisroel, particularly allegations that efforts to advance legislation concerning the military draft were undertaken contrary to decisions of the Moetzes.

Following his refusal, most of the other Rebbes reportedly indicated that they would not permit their signatures to appear unless the Gerrer Rebbe also signed.

A compromise was subsequently reached under which the proclamation would be published in the name of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisroel without listing the individual signatures of its members.

This arrangement is similar to the format used for election proclamations issued by the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Degel HaTorah and the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah of Shas.

Despite the disagreement, Hamodia has already published an official declaration in the name of the Gerrer Rebbe calling on his Chassidim to vote for United Torah Judaism.

Meanwhile, the Ziditchover Chassidus in Bnei Brak has reportedly not yet issued instructions to its followers regarding participation in the elections. The hesitation comes amid anger over the imprisonment of the Rebbe’s grandson in a military prison, despite efforts by the Rebbe to secure his release and protests over his detention.

The revised Kol Koreh is expected to be published Sunday, pending final approval of its wording.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)