Proud to be, Dati Leumi

With the current predicament that has arisen in the Dati Leumi it is difficult to be proud of anything. Harav Motti Alon, the former Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Hakotel, and an important figure in the Dati Leumi world as been discovered to have been sexually harassing boys that were under his tutelage.

For many, this information is hard to digest. This Rabbi was considered to be one of the greater Rabbis in the Dati Leumi movement. How can a man who has dedicated his life to being closer to G-d be so misguided?

I, on the other hand, find this the most opportune time to be proud. Rav Alon was not outed by the media, or a lawsuit, he was outed by a small organization within the community called "Takana."

Takana, is an organization whose sole purpose is to protect the community from sexual harassment. I find this impressive. The community not only admits that such a problem can, and does exist, but they took measures to prevent and stop these incidents from happening.

What's more impressive is that at some point Takana decided that they could no longer control Rav Alon, and the public needed to know. They informed the world that one of the most recognized names in the Dati Leumi community could not be trusted. Despite knowing full well what this information may do, they realized that the public safety was more important than personal egos.

This story could have been a scandal, but due to the knowledge and wisdom in which Takana handled the situation, it is nothing more than a sad story.

I am proud that we understand that we are not perfect.
I am proud that we understand that we are only human.
I am proud that we understand that no one is above reproach.
I am proud that we have Takana.
I am proud to be, Dati Leumi!