The religious-Zionist society has been embroiled in controversy lately regarding LGBT issues. Rabbi Yigal Levinstein, a senior rabbi at the Eli pre-military academy, sparked fierce controversy last week when he called LGBT groups “perverts” in a speech and bemoaned their ostensibly growing influence in the IDF.
Levinstein was subsequently condemned by politicians from across the political map ranging from Meretz Chairwoman Zehava Galon to Jewish Home Chairman Naftali Bennett. Additionally, Rabbi Benny Lau, another renowned rabbi, released a widely viewed rebuttal video admonishing Levinstein on YouTube. Nevertheless, an open letter supporting Rabbi Levinstein and signed by 300 rabbis was also published on Thursday.