A historic evening unfolded in Yerushalayim as tens of thousands of bnei yeshiva from across Eretz Yisroel filled the Pais Arena for the monumental Amudei Olam gathering, an unprecedented display of kavod haTorah and achdus, organized by Ichud Bnei HaYeshivos.
Under the leadership of gedolei Yisroel — including Rav Dov Landau, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, and Rav Don Segal — the massive crowd of bochurim heard fiery words of chizuk about their role as those who uphold the world through Torah, particularly in these challenging times.
The evening began with words of inspiration from Rav Dovid Breuer, followed by a thunderous joint rendition of “Vise’arev” and “Visein Chelkeinu Besorasecha,” accompanied by maestro Yehuda Galili, Benzi Stein, Beri Weber, and the Neshama and Malchus choirs.
A dramatic Rischa DeOraisa session then followed, with leading roshei yeshiva engaging in a spirited Torah debate, leaving the crowd inspired by the depth of ahavas haTorah.
As the gedolim — Rav Dov Landau, Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, and Rav Don Segal — entered the entire arena rose to its feet, singing “Yomim al yemei melech tosif” and “Ashrei ha’am,” as the walls of the arena shook.
Rav Dov Landau addressed the growing battle against the yeshiva world, declaring, “מי שנגד עולם הישיבות השם יפר עצתם במהרה.” He urged strengthening Torah learning in the face of external pressures. “They are fighting the world of Torah,” he said, “but the strength of bnei hayeshivos is to increase Torah and yiras Shamayim. In their merit, the world stands, and Klal Yisroel will be redeemed.”
Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch delivered the central address, expressing anguish over the challenges to Torah learning in Eretz Yisroel. “It is a great tragedy that we do not have the right to learn Torah freely in Eretz Yisroel,” he exclaimed, referencing the draft issue and arrests of bochurim. “They are throwing bochurim into prison — perhaps because they are not learning enough? We must strengthen ourselves, eliminate divisive groups, and stand proudly and purely against those who oppose us.”
Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman followed with an impassioned call: “כולנו חייבים למסור נפש כנגד הגזירה הנוראה של הגיוס.” He praised the self-sacrifice of the bnei yeshiva for their Torah learning, saying, “Your mesirus nefesh is not only for yourselves but for so many others who might falter. We must all stand strong.”
The mashgiach, Rav Don Segal, urged the crowd to elevate their own esteem for Torah. “Disrespect for bnei Torah begins with us,” he said. “If we honor the learners and value Torah, Heaven will help us, and the entire world will recognize its greatness.” He concluded with a heartfelt rendition of his niggun “Tatte’le,” with the entire arena joining in song.
Rav Dovid Cohen, rosh yeshivas Chevron and nosi of the Ichud Bnei HaYeshivos, also spoke, calling for renewed hasmadah and concluding with kabbalas ol Malchus Shamayim together with the multitudes.
Additional remarks were delivered by Rav Aviezer Piltz and Rav Shimon Galai.
Public officials including MK Moshe Gafni, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Eliezer Rauchberger, and Bnei Brak Deputy Mayor Menachem Shapira also spoke.
The event featured stirring musical interludes celebrating the “pillars of the world” — the bnei yeshiva — and continued late into the night in an atmosphere of unity and kiddush Hashem.
A planned kumzitz featuring Mordechai Ben David was canceled due to police restrictions.
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{Matzav.com}
