The following remarks are excerpted from an article written by Rabbi Lorincz and published in the Zeirei Agudas Yisroel publication Digleinu in Issue 309-310 (Adar 5741-1981). Rabbi Lorincz was writing in response to a number of very difficult demonstrations that had taken place at that time, mostly organized by the Orthodox "right" wing.
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I am not coming to discuss the issues with the other side. I wish to devote my words to our own self examination. There are many hesitations in expressing this evaluation for "woe unto me if I speak and woe unto me if I hold my peace." But I have decided to speak out on the basis of having served [and being in close proximity to] the most universally accepted Torah leaders for the past forty years, in the past generation as in the present one.
Being one of the select few who served Torah scholars in public matters, I feel duty bound to carry out "you shall not [deliberately] ignore" in suppressing what is known to me and which relates to many basic matters which are presently relevant. Many fine young people grapple with these subjects and it is necessary for me to convey what is known to me as an expression of "derive the intellectual lessons of past generations" and present my insights in writing for the public welfare. Nevertheless, I am obliged to stress that the following words are intended mainly as material for thought and investigation.
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The Brisker Rov consistently opposed public demonstrations for fear of their getting out of hand and drawing police reaction. His stand was that the other side was liable and inclined for bloodshed so that [any involvement on our part would be] a matter of self preservation.
Only in extraordinary instances did the Chazon Ish and the Brisker Rov agree to unique demonstrations, like the one in 5713 against young girls being inducted to Sherut Leumi national service, and that, only after it was guaranteed in advance that the demonstration be organized by responsible public activists. We promised arrangements which would prevent any eruption or outbreak from the public and that it be held with the proper authorization from the police on the one hand, with many experienced ushers and orderlies from our ranks posted on the other.
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There were some demonstrations or gatherings since the founding of the State, but these were inwardly directed, and generally held in shuls or in closed halls. The goal was self-arousal and to inspire people to held in the emergency efforts, like in the case of the children of Teheran. Demonstrations directed towards outward influence, like the one mentioned about Sherut Leumi, were very few and operated under the severe restrictions I mentioned earlier.
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