To My Fellow Advocate And Dear Friend Rabbi Yosef Blau

Dear R’ Yosef Shlita,

I read your open letter. To be blunt — it shook me, not because you don’t have the right to criticize, but because of how and where you chose to do it. You’ve always been a courageous voice, but this time your words are being waved around by people who are the farthest thing from lovers of Israel or Torah. That’s the danger: when you stand shoulder to shoulder with the fringes, you don’t just speak your truth — you lend them your credibility.

I know your intent was not to weaken Israel in a time of war and uncertainty. But perception often matters more than intent. Right now, our enemies are expert at twisting rabbinic voices — especially one of your stature — into propaganda. The result isn’t nuanced debate within our community; it’s headlines in the outside world that delight in showing “Orthodox rabbis” turning against Israel.

Yosef, if you truly want to rebuke, do it inside the house, not in the street where the haters are listening. (In these perilous times for Yiddishkeit)

I say this with the loyalty of decades of friendship: your integrity is unquestioned, but integrity also requires foresight. In moments like these, our people desperately need critique rooted in love, delivered in ways that strengthen, not gift-wrapped to those who wish us harm.

Please take this as chizuk from someone who cares about you and about Klal Yisrael. I respect your courage — but I beg you to weigh how your courage is used by others.

Wishing you and our entire family of Klal Yisroel

כתיבה וחתימה טובה

Warmly,
Paul Mendlowitz