Editor’s Note: Yeshiva World News (YWN) takes no official position in the ongoing debate regarding participation in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections. As always, YWN follows the guidance of its Rabbanim in determining what content to publish and which advertisements to accept. We urge our readers to do the same—seek the counsel of your Rav or Manhig and follow their direction regarding this, and any other hashkafic matter. __________________________________ The debate that has emerged regarding participation in the World Zionist Organization (WZO) elections has brought out passionate voices on both sides insisting that their position is the only legitimate one. Some have gone so far as to brand the opposing view as outright treif—even akin to a blatant chillul Shabbos. Each camp claims the unwavering support of Gedolei Yisroel, portraying the other as misguided at best, or dangerously wrong at worst. But I find myself asking: Who are these Bnei Torah making such absolute pronouncements? Where did they develop their hashkafos, and how did they arrive at such certainty that there is only one correct approach? As a Ben Torah who does not belong to BMG, Ner Yisroel, the Yeshiva Gedolah of Philadelphia, Gateshead, or Aish HaTorah, I see the matter quite differently. It is clear to me that there is a genuine machlokes among Gedolei Yisroel regarding the proper hishtadlus for Klal Yisroel in this arena. And in times like these, I am reminded of the wisdom of Rav Avigdor Miller, zt”l, who was once asked about the well-known dispute between the Gadol HaDor, Rav Shach, zt”l, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe, zt”l. His response was both simple and profound: If you follow a particular Gadol, then follow him. But do not take it upon yourself to declare that the other Gadol is wrong. And if you are an outsider to the dispute, do not involve yourself—“Don’t play with fire.” This perspective is particularly relevant here. On one side of the WZO election debate stand the Roshei Yeshiva of Slabodka, BMG and Ner Yisroel, and on the other, the Roshei Yeshiva of Ponavezh (Rav Bereal Pobvarsky), Philadelphia, Gateshead, and Aish HaTorah. Of course, there are many more Gedolim and Rabbanim who align with each position. Given the legitimacy of both approaches, is it truly necessary—or productive—for us to engage in machlokes over which side is correct? As an outsider to this particular ideological battle, I have made my own decision—I will vote, because the reasoning of the Gedolim who support voting resonates most with me. But I do so with full awareness and respect for the opposing viewpoint, recognizing that it, too, is upheld by esteemed Gedolim. What troubles me is not the discussion itself, but the way it is being conducted. Every Frum Jew is trying—within the best of his abilities—to do what is right in the eyes of Hashem. To use such fiery rhetoric against fellow Torah Jews, simply because they follow a different shita of legitimate Gedolim, is not only unnecessary, but harmful. This extends beyond individual debates and into the broader realm of Jewish media. Take YWN, for example. The individuals who run YWN are Frum Yidden, just like the rest of us. If they are promoting a position supported by recognized Gedolim, that would be perfectly within their right. Demonizing them—or anyone else—for holding […]