Shevet HaLevi Rebbe Tells Bochurim: “Attend Only Protests Initiated by Gedolei Yisroel”

Following the recent unrest in Bnei Brak, the Shevet HaLevi Rebbe addressed his yeshiva bochurim, instructing them that they may only participate in demonstrations explicitly organized or endorsed by leading Torah authorities.

The Rebbe delivered his remarks at the conclusion of his daily halacha shiur after Shacharis, responding to the disturbances that took place in the city on Sunday.

In his comments, he referred to the serious events that unfolded and stressed that every bochur must know a clear and unwavering rule: one may attend protests only when Gedolei Yisroel explicitly direct that participation is warranted, specifically protests initiated by Gedolei Yisroel and no others. He emphasized that no bochur has permission to act based on personal emotions. Even if an incident in the city appears stirring and seems to be a matter of mitzvah, each individual must carefully verify whether it is being conducted under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel. If it is not, he said, one must distance himself from the area completely.

The Rebbe also warned that such gatherings can pose real physical danger. As was evident this past Sunday, he noted, innocent bystanders and passersby were arrested and injured. These situations constitute a place of danger, and therefore there is certainly no obligation of mesirus nefesh in circumstances of this nature. He added that acts of vandalism are unquestionably forbidden, stating that such behavior has never been the way of Bnei Yisroel.

Concluding his remarks, the Rebbe said that what is truly incumbent upon us is to fulfill the teaching of the Gemara: “If someone rises against you, rise early to the beis medrash and they will fall on their own.” The strength of Klal Yisroel, he said, lies not in force but in tefillah and Torah, for the power of Yisroel is only through the mouth.

{Matzav.com}