Despite Enlisting in IDF, Chabad to Attend Anti-Draft Protest

The Beis Din of Chabad Rabbonim in Israel has issued a public call to the Chabad community to take part in a special prayer and protest gathering tomorrow in Jerusalem, in response to the recent drafting and arrest of yeshiva students dedicated to full-time Torah study.

The Rabbonim clarified that within Chabad, as is customary, military service is considered only after marriage and study in kollel, and within appropriate frameworks for a chassidic lifestyle.
In recent weeks, the IDF has continued to challenge and disrupt the longstanding arrangement between Chabad and the authorities in Israel.

“We issue this call to strengthen participation in the ‘Prayer and Outcry Assembly’ regarding the attempt to alter the long-established arrangement in our Holy Land, under which yeshiva students and kollel scholars devoted to Torah study have their military service deferred, in recognition of the Torah’s power to protect the Jewish people as a whole, and the soldiers of Israel in particular,” the Rabbonim wrote.

“It is well known that the Rebbe, the leader of our generation, stated many times that yeshiva students contribute to the defense of Israel through their Torah learning, just as soldiers protect the people of Israel with their physical service and self-sacrifice.

“It must be emphasized that in Chabad, military service is only considered after marriage and after a full period of study in yeshiva and kollel, and even then, only within frameworks suitable for a chassid and a G-d-fearing Jew. All this is without detracting from the Rebbe’s clear directive that every Chossid’s primary mission is to be engaged in spreading Yiddishkeit and the wellsprings of Chassidus.”

The Rabbonim outlined practical directives:

First and foremost, they encouraged yeshiva students—who stand at the forefront of the spiritual battle through diligent study of Nigleh and Chassidus—not to be swayed by pressures or difficulties, and to firmly avoid any programs that would undermine their Torah learning now or in the future.

This Thursday, 8 Cheshvan, tens of thousands of Jews are expected to gather in Jerusalem for the Atzeres Tefillah gathering. The Lubavitch community is urged to attend and participate in this important event.

• Those unable to attend in person are encouraged to increase in Torah study, prayer, and charity at the same time that the event is taking place.
• Participation of bochurim from yeshiva ketana and yeshiva gedolah institutions should follow the decision of each yeshiva’s administration.
The statement concludes with a prayer that we merit very soon to see the fulfillment of the Rambam’s words regarding Moshiach: “He will wage the wars of Hashem and will be victorious over all the surrounding nations,” with the true and complete redemption immediately.