FULL COVERAGE: Without Quotas or Targets: Historic Emergency Gathering of Gedolei Yisroel in Maaleh HaChamisha Concludes with Strong Decisions

In a powerful and unprecedented gathering held this evening at the Sequoia Halls in Maaleh HaChamisha, Gedolei Yisroel from across the spectrum of the Torah world came together to deliver a unified and unwavering message in response to growing governmental pressure on the Olam HaTorah.

The historic asifah was led by leading roshei yeshiva and poskim, including Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, Rav Chaim Feinstein, Rav Moshe Tzadkah, Rav Bentzion Mutzafi, and many more, as well as the admorim of Gur, Vizhnitz, Sanz, Seret Vizhnitz, Biala, Modzitz, and many others from across Eretz Yisroel.

The event began with heartfelt recitation of Tehillim and the Yud-Gimmel Middos Harachamim, led by Rav Elimelech Biderman, who participated despite his usual reluctance to attend public gatherings.

Serving as the evening’s baal tefillah was Rav Yitzchok Meir Sternbuch, r”m in Yeshivas Mir. Rav Pinchas Friedman then read aloud a special letter sent to the gathering by the Belzer Rebbe, who urged bnei yeshivos and avreichim to redouble their commitment to Torah learning. Messages from Rav Moshe Sternbuch and the admorim of Boyan, Slonim, and Vizhnitz were also read. In a handwritten addition, Rav Sternbuch stated unequivocally: “According to halacha, it is forbidden to go to the army.”

Powerful speeches followed from Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, Rav Chaim Feinstein, the Sanzer Rebbe, Rav Moshe Tzadkah, and Rav Bentzion Mutzafi.

Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman declared: “It is impossible that someone goes into the army and comes out the same person. This is truly a gezeiras shmad. Anyone who enters loses his spiritual identity. We must be moser nefesh for this. Every Torah educator must instill this, so that we may be able to say, ‘Our hands did not spill this blood.’”

The Sanz Rebbe said, “Their entire goal is to uproot Torah and yiras Shamayim from Klal Yisroel. They want to destroy us, literally. We must be prepared to give up our lives in practice. On this issue, there is no debate. Anyone who observes Torah and mitzvos must stand united, ready to be moser nefesh against the decree of the draft.”

Following the speeches, the official decisions of the gathering were read aloud:

1. No Targets, No Quotas
“The Torah community represents the very foundation of our nation, the pride and glory of our people. We declare and warn: Al tig’u b’meshichai—do not dare harm a single ben Torah. Any reduction in Torah scholars poses a great danger to all who dwell in this land, especially in times of war. On the contrary, we urge all our brethren to return to their roots and strengthen the Torah ranks. No individual or institution has the authority to set quotas, targets, or limits on Torah learning.”

2. No Fear of Sanctions
“Let it be stated clearly: No sanctions, decrees, punishments, or arrests will sway us in the slightest. We do not live by their rules but by the will of the Creator. Throughout history, our ancestors withstood torture and persecution, clinging ever more tightly to Hashem. We will continue in their path eternally. Zos haTorah lo tehei muchlefes—this Torah will never be changed.”

3. Beware the Trap
“We see the ongoing attempts to lure bochurim and avreichim into the army through deceptive promises and so-called ‘chareidi tracks.’ Their aim is to ensnare the best of our youth. We call upon all parents and educators: it is your sacred duty to guard the precious souls entrusted to you. Warn them repeatedly not to fall into this dangerous trap, which threatens the future of the entire Olam HaTorah.”

4. Army = Spiritual Danger
“The foundation of the Torah community is complete separation from secular life and its ideologies. The army is built on rejection of ol Malchus Shamayim. Whoever enters such a framework places himself, his descendants, and future generations in spiritual peril. We have witnessed the tragic outcomes—young men who joined the army became mechallelei Shabbos, abandoned Torah, and scorned all that is holy. Every ben Torah must stand firm and resist.”

5. Call to Tefillah
“To the faithful of Hashem: pour out your hearts before Him, for the power of Yaakov lies in his voice. Designate time for increased tefillah, whether individually, in groups, or in public atzeres tefillah. Cry out to the One Above that these evil decrees be nullified and that the shevet resha not rest upon the lot of the righteous.”

A special Yom Tefillah has been declared for Erev Rosh Chodesh Elul, with a call for all work to cease that day (except in cases where employment obligations cannot be avoided). Males aged 15 and up are urged to fast for half the day, or give tzedakah if fasting is not possible, to arouse mercy from Heaven and bring about the nullification of these harsh decrees.

6. Charge to Rabbonim and Mechanchim
“From this place, we call upon roshei yeshiva, educators, roshei kollel, and all those who influence others: fulfill your responsibility and instill in your talmidim and avreichim an awareness of the immense privilege they have—to dwell in Hashem’s house and immerse in His Torah. May they draw strength from this realization and stand proud in their identity, even amid fear and pressure. In times of trial, may they hold strong and not falter.”

The public was also advised that in any question or moment of distress, they should turn to designated representatives who will be announced in the coming days in every beis medrash.

The rabbonim, together with askanim, will continue to evaluate every possible path forward. All options remain on the table, and the public is urged to follow the directives that will be communicated shortly.

The declaration concluded with heartfelt prayers that the Olam HaTorah should flourish, all decrees be annulled, and all those who have strayed be returned to the path of truth.

Photos by Shuki Lehrer:

{Matzav.com Israel}