Massive Protests Against Draft Arrests, Led by Hagaon Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch and Hagaon Harav Dov Lando, Planned for Sunday

Amid the recent wave of arrests of yeshiva students for refusing to enlist, Degel Hatorah, under the joint direction of Hagaon Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlita and Hagaon Harav Dov Lando shlita, has announced a major public demonstration. The atzeres, set for this Sunday on a to-be-determined central city street, marks a coordinated response after previous attempts to organize protests were prevented by activists.

Tens of thousands, if not hundreds, are expected to protest.

Harav Lando, currently in Los Angeles on a special trip for the Keren Olam Hatorah, received an extensive briefing on the arrests following Shacharis. Upon hearing the news, he requested the recitation of Tehillim dedicated to the welfare of the detained yeshiva bachurim.

Following this, Harav Lando spoke with Harav Hirsch, who arrived later in the day, which was Rosh Chodesh, to deliver a special pesichas ha’zman shiur to the protesting students at the gates of Prison 10.

During their discussion, Harav Lando emphasized that holding a large public asifa would be the proper step to express solidarity and strengthen the community’s resolve. Harav Hirsch and Harav Lando together instructed that the mass rally move forward, underscoring the Torah world’s opposition to the arrests.

Harav Hirsch also addressed the students at the prison gates, stating, “They need to understand that it is impossible for them to arrest young men who are studying Torah. I hope that those in the government will understand that.” Thousands are expected to attend the rally, which organizers say will be peaceful yet firm, demonstrating the community’s unwavering support for Torah study in Eretz Yisrael.