Thousands of ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students gathered in Bnei Brak on Sunday at a major United Torah Judaism election rally to express their opposition to increased military conscription efforts targeting their community. The event, held two days before Israel’s national election, underscored ongoing tensions surrounding the draft of haredi men into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), an issue that remains highly contentious within both the ultra-Orthodox sector and broader Israeli society.
The rally, organized under the slogan “Gather and Stand Up for Our Lives,” drew tens of thousands of participants who voiced strong objections to draft enforcement measures they view as a direct threat to their way of life. Central to the community’s resistance is the tradition of full-time Torah study, which many students see as incompatible with military service. Rabbi Dov Landau, a prominent haredi rabbinic authority who spoke at the event, characterized current draft policies as a severe form of persecution against yeshiva students and kollel scholars, calling for solidarity in defense of Torah study.
Interviews with students at the rally highlighted their deference to rabbinic authority in decisions about how to respond if the incoming government intensifies enforcement. Several students, including one named Reuven, emphasized that their actions—whether leaving Israel, staying without enlisting, or joining the military—would follow direct instructions from their rabbis. Reuven noted he would comply with whatever guidance was given, even if it meant enlisting in the IDF or emigrating.
Other participants echoed this sentiment. Dovid expressed unwavering loyalty, saying, “We would go through fire and water” for their rabbis, stressing that obedience to religious leaders is paramount. Shmuel, another yeshiva student, stressed that he would prioritize Torah study above all and would relocate abroad if remaining in Israel meant sacrificing this commitment. Meanwhile, Chaim argued that religious Jews have a divine connection to Israel but advocated resistance if forced conscription were imposed.
Despite a shared commitment to follow their rabbis’ directives, some students acknowledged diverse personal opinions within the yeshiva community on military service. Several agreed that there were individuals who desired to enlist but refrained due to rabbinic prohibition. One anonymous student expressed frustration at being singled out for enforcement actions, questioning why the authorities do not hold the rabbis accountable for their role in advising students to avoid the draft. He also voiced concerns about potential arrest when attempting to travel internationally due to unresolved draft status.
Public support for mandatory enlistment among the broader Jewish population remains strong. An October survey conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 72% of Jewish respondents favor legislation requiring haredi men to serve in the military. This divide reflects broader societal debates over the balance between religious freedom, national service obligations, and social integration, with the ultra-Orthodox community viewing the draft as an existential challenge to their religious lifestyle. The upcoming election results are expected to significantly influence how this enduring issue will be addressed moving forward.