My respected friend, Mr. David Ulman, Shalom and with eternal blessing!
First I would like to express my gratitude to you for contacting me to request clarification with regard to the holiday of Independence without judging or criticizing from afar. Now let me respond to the matter with clarity.
a) The copy of the advertisement that you sent to me is indeed correct. Furthermore, this event was attended by the Women of Agudath Israel and Pirhei Agudath Israel. The reason that their attendance was not mentioned [in the ad] is simply due to the fact that they decided to attend later [after the flyer was published]
? 2) Is it worthy of celebration? 3) Is it worthy for the members of Agudath Israel to unite with the members of Mizrachi in a fashion which allows us to express our approach and influence others to act according to the spirit of Agudath Israel?
In my humble opinion, one must respond to these questions as follows:
1) The independence of Israel and the establishment of the State are important events in the life of our nation. It is worthy for members of Agudath Israel to participate when there is a possibility to express their thoughts and views before a large forum in order to influence them regarding the approach of the Agudah and to refute the negative sentiments against Agudath Israel.
2) In my opinion, despite all of the defects and deficiencies in the leadership of the State of Israel, its mere existence, which happened via revealed miracles, is of great significance that deserves recognition and appreciation. This recognition must be publicly expressed for two reasons: First, because the truth must be expressed. Second, that all should know and recognize that our war against the Government of Israel is not targeted against the existence of the State.
3) Participation with Mizrachi in a fashion that Agudath Israel is free to express its views was recognized as the correct approach by creating a religious front that Agudath Israel is always willing to renew.
Although I know that we disagree with Mizrachi on our fundamental beliefs, and in no way are our views consistent with each
other, and consequently our actions are totally different, still there
are many issues on which we can work together and, through this,
strengthen the ultra-religious and its influence on the life of the nation.
indeed an important milestone in the life of our nation, our relationship to it, therefore, is positive, and our participation is obligatory.
and therefore we did attend. It is noteworthy that nothing was done without consulting with us. We
learning Bible, speaking Hebrew and Erez Yisrael. The populace cannot understand our concerns and, moreover, when we emphasize our positive views they will accept us and allow us to fight the falsehoods. In addition, I must express that this attitude of ours is not unique to our life in America. We acted this way in Lithuania as well despite the fact that then, as now, we were totally zealous concerning anything that, God forbid, is not in accordance with the spirit of Torah.
We did not regress because of persecution, denouncement and sometimes even suffering, sorrow and much damage to our holy Yeshiva.
With this I am your friend, I respect you and bless you,
Eliyahu Meir Bloch