Trustee of British Friends of Yeshivat Hakotel resigns over Smotrich endorsement

The trustee of British Friends of Yeshivat Hakotel has resigned with immediate effect over the yeshiva’s endorsement of far-right Israeli lawmaker Betzalel Smotrich, Jewish News has learned. 

David Cohen’s letter of resignation comes after Jewish News reported that the dean of overseas students at Yeshivat Hakotel, Reuven Taragin, embraced the Religious Zionism Party and its leader Smotrich.

In a post that has since been taken down, Taragin wrote: “I look forward to working with other yeshivot to help Betzalel (Smotrich) and the Religious Zionism party help our community.”

Taragin also personally embraced the controversial far-right extremist, saying: “I was personally impressed with Smotrich. He is both a talented politician and a true Ben Torah.”

Yeshivat Hakotel has close ties with the youth organisation Bnei Akiva UK.

Smotrich is one of the most controversial lawmakers in Israel, known for his virulent anti-LGBTQ stance, racist comments toward Palestinians and Arab-Israelis and promotion of Israeli law based on the Torah.

After removing his post, Taragin wrote: “Sadly, the post offended many people. I have therefore removed it.” He did not apologise or elaborate on whether he still supports the controversial party and its leader.

Jewish News reached out to Taragin for a comment following his post but is yet to receive an answer.