A wave of speculation surrounding comments attributed to Rav Ben Tzion Mutzapi prompted the prominent Sefardi posek to issue a strong clarification. The rav firmly rejected claims that he had sharply attacked Shas leadership over the ongoing controversy surrounding the draft law and the status of yeshiva students.
Reports circulating online suggested that the rav had used harsh language toward Shas figures amid the political storm. Rav Mutzapi, however, insisted that the allegations were completely fabricated. He emphasized that his remarks were directed only at the pain he feels when shluchai derabbanan fail to adequately protect bnei Torah and that he never mentioned names nor hinted at any individuals.
In the written clarification released to the public, Rav Mutzapi opened with a firm statement: “The clarification: I hereby make known publicly, before all, regarding the rumors being spread in my name by people of ill intent, as if in my protest over the draft law regarding yeshiva students I mentioned names of askanim from the chareidi sector, or described them using terms taken from the lexicon of marketplace peddlers.”
He then stated unequivocally, “Every one in its entirety is founded on a vile falsehood.” Rav Mutzapi continued: “I only expressed my pain regarding the shluchai derabbanan, without mentioning any names or allusions. Their role is to safeguard bnei haTorah so they do not suffer harm; and to our sorrow, they are being harmed—nothing more.”
The rav concluded his letter with the words, “And love truth and peace. Ben Tzion Mutzapi.”
{Matzav.com}
The best rabbanim often endure the worst smears. Rav Mutzafi is a real Gadol.