"And I Have a Clear Impression That the Religion of These People Is Not the Religion of Israel..." – David ...

"And I Have a Clear Impression That the Religion of These People Is Not the Religion of Israel..." – David Ben-Gurion in a Harsh Letter of Criticism Against the Mizrachi Movement

A Handwritten and Signed Letter by David Ben-Gurion on Two Notes Passed During a Knesset Plenum. A Fierce Critique Against HaTzofeh and the Mizrachi Movement for Their Lack of Ethical Conduct. [C. 1960s].

Full Text of the Letter:

"Your response misses the point. It is clear to me that when it comes to kashrut and meticulous observance, every Mizrachi member—if he has even the slightest doubt—will not eat. But when it comes to truthfulness or publicly shaming another, they feel no obligation whatsoever. The proof is that they are not careful in these matters, and it is not sufficient to simply ask for forgiveness after the fact. This may be true from a secular perspective, but from a religious standpoint, lying and harming another’s dignity is a sin. There is no awareness of this sin in the words of HaTzofeh’s writers, and I have a clear impression that the religion of these people is not the religion of Israel, but rather a reform. I am not aware that Judaism was ever reduced to just kashrut, Shabbat observance, and the laying of tefillin—yet it is only in these matters that HaTzofeh’s people are careful. Respectfully, D. B. G. (David Ben-Gurion)"

[2] leaves. 12x8 cm. Very good condition.