Vizhnitzer Rebbe Issues Unequivocal Ban on Military Service at Massive Yerushalayim Gathering

August 13, 2026

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Thousands of Vizhnitzer chassidim from across Eretz Yisroel gathered Tuesday in the Bais Medrash of the Gerer Chassidus on Yirmiyahu Street in Yerushalayim for a massive prayer rally and fundraising event on behalf of the Union of Vizhnitzer Institutions. The gathering focused on the government’s ongoing efforts to draft yeshiva students, with the Vizhnitzer Rebbe issuing a forceful directive prohibiting enlistment in any military framework.

The gathering was filled with emotion as the Vizhnitzer Rebbe appeared before the thousands despite his visibly weakened condition in recent weeks. The event had originally been planned for the holy site of Meron, but because of the Rebbe’s health it was relocated to Yerushalayim, near Ora, where he has been residing over the past year for rest and recuperation.

The evening began with a moving and inspiring presentation by the American-based Yiddishe Nachas children’s choir, which vividly portrayed the Jewish people’s historic mesirus nefesh for Torah study throughout the generations.

The program continued with a powerful dramatic presentation depicting “Prison 10,” in which a chassid was shown sitting in iron chains while completely immersed in the study of Torah, symbolizing unwavering devotion to Hashem and His Torah even under imprisonment and persecution.

The thousands in attendance also heard addresses from Rav Zusha Horowitz, av beis din of the Chassidic communities in Elad, and Rav Mordechai Grinfeld, one of the senior Vizhnitzer rabbonim in Antwerp, whose passionate speech deeply inspired the assembled crowd.

Moments before the Vizhnitzer Rebbe entered, his brother-in-law, Rav Menachem Ernster, rosh yeshiva of Vizhnitz, led the congregation in Selichos and Shema Koleinu using the moving Yomim Noraim melody, as thousands joined him in tearful prayer. Rav Yaakov Mordechai Hager, av beis din of Vizhnitz in Elad, then led the recitation of Tehillim and Shir Hamaalos Mimaamakim, with the verses recited responsively by the chazzan and the crowd.

During the gathering, a special delegation headed by Rav Menachem Ernster, together with Rav Yitzchak Yeshaya Hager and Rav Yaakov Mordechai Hager, personally visited the home of the Gerer Rebbe to invite him to participate in the event.

The Gerer Rebbe accepted the invitation, and his arrival at the gathering sparked an outpouring of emotion as thousands of chassidim broke into spirited singing. The Vizhnitzer Rebbe welcomed him with exceptional warmth and honor, while Rav Yaakov Mordechai Hager greeted the Gerer Rebbe on behalf of his father and thanked him for graciously hosting the event and extending generous hospitality.

Organizers said the Gerer Rebbe’s participation underscored the cry of the Torah world over the draft decree and reflected a united Chareidi front committed to strengthening the walls of Torah and religion during this critical period.

The emotional peak of the evening came when Rav Yaakov Mordechai Hager read a special message from the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, presenting what he described as a clear and unequivocal directive to all Vizhnitzer chassidim and the broader Chareidi public.

The Rebbe’s first instruction was an absolute prohibition against military service. He ruled that no one is to enlist in the Israeli military “in any army framework whatsoever, under any circumstances or in any form.”

He further instructed parents and educators to strengthen children and tinokos shel bais rabban with teachings of simple emunah and mesirus nefesh for the sanctification of Hashem’s Name.

In addition, the Rebbe called upon the public to undertake a special kofer nefesh campaign to strengthen the Torah world and support the network of Vizhnitzer institutions in light of the current situation facing the Chareidi community.