Mystic Rabbi Pinto backs social justice movement

Spiritual leaders says he feels "very proud to see women leading this movement, something unprecedented in the history of Israel."

By JEREMY SHARON
311_Rabbi Pinto (photo credit: Ilan Cirota)
311_Rabbi Pinto
(photo credit: Ilan Cirota)
Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto, spiritual adviser to many members of Israeli high society, gave his approbation on Wednesday to the social justice movement that has gripped the country in recent months.
“I support the social struggle with all my heart and feel very proud to see women leading this movement, something unprecedented in the history of Israel,” Pinto said.
Pinto met with activist Daphni Leef over Succot and expressed his support for the protest and its goals.
“The societal situation in Israel is very bad,” the rabbi said. “A situation has been created in which those born into wealth can live in dignity and luxury and everyone else is forced to deal with large debts to the banks and work without end in order to simply cover the costs of living.
“We see great poverty in Israel,” Pinto told Leef. “We see neglect all over the country.
This situation must change and the struggle that you are leading is a turning point in Israeli society. The community and network of charitable centers which I lead, Shuva Yisrael, will do everything possible to assist and support the continued protests and a better future for the people of Israel.”
Pinto is regarded by his followers as a kabbalist, and has given political and business advice to numerous high-profile politicians and businessmen.
On Saturday night last week, Pinto held a celebratory dinner with MK Binyamin Ben- Eliezer, following his recuperation from a life-threatening bout of pneumonia back in March. Ben-Eliezer credits Pinto with helping him survive, after the rabbi went to Ben-Eliezer’s hospital bed when he was in a coma and prayed next to him throughout the night.
Others who have sought Pinto’s counsel and spiritual assistance include real-estate magnate Jacky Ben-Zaken, businessman Yitzhak Tshuva, Tzipi Livni, Minister of Justice Yaakov Neeman, and numerous others.