Rabbi Wolpe calls for 'declaration of Jewish independence' if land ceded

By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN
Right-wing Rabbi Shlmo Wolpe on Tuesday called for a "declaration of Jewish independence" in Judea and Samaria if the government were to cede parts of the territory. Speaking at a gathering of rabbis and professors at Jerusalem's Renaissance Hotel, Wolpe said that "nothing has been learned from the bloodshed caused by Sharon." He added that the government was "betraying the people of Israel… because they want to avoid investigations, like Sharon did." Wolpe also warned that giving up parts of Judea and Samaria would bring about disasters.