Mordechai Ben David Against Lieberman: 'They Should Have Cut Off His Head' | Watch

The Hasidic singer Mordechai Ben David sharply attacked MK Avigdor Lieberman in an interview on a Yiddish podcast, saying that 'they should have cut off his head instead' in response to the claim that the Ribnitzer Rebbe was his mohel. The remarks sparked an uproar online, and the host distanced himself from the comments.

The Hasidic singer Mordechai Ben David sparked an uproar in an interview on a Yiddish podcast hosted by journalist Shlomi Zayants, published last Thursday. In the interview, Ben David addressed the claim that the late Ribnitzer Rebbe was the mohel of Yisrael Beiteinu chairman MK Avigdor Lieberman, and attacked him sharply: 'I think he didn't cut in the right place; they should have cut off his head instead.' The podcast host chuckled at the remarks but quickly distanced himself, noting that although Lieberman does not like religious Jews, he holds some respect for the rabbanit. In response, Ben David noted that there are documented photos of Lieberman visiting the Rebbe's grave, and concluded on a conciliatory note: 'It is certainly heartening to hear that, and I hope he returns in full repentance.' The remarks drew reactions online, and the article presents them as incitement.