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Rabbi Dovid Boaron, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Kibbutz Givat Ze’ev, says one of his talmidim is still struggling to recover after spending five days in military detention following his arrest as a draft evader.

Speaking in an interview with Kol Chai, Rabbi Boaron recounted the recent arrest of Reuven Lamenatzeach, a student at the yeshiva who was detained while returning from a family event.

According to the rosh yeshiva, undercover officers stopped the bochur on Highway 1 and quickly discovered that he had been classified as a draft evader.

“When they saw that he was a draft evader, they immediately identified him. Unfortunately, they did not even allow him to make a phone call to his parents. They immediately took him away in handcuffs,” Rabbi Boaron said.

Although Lamenatzeach was released after only five days—a relatively short period compared to some similar cases—Rabbi Boaron said the experience left a deep impact on the young man.

“He came out broken. There is a lot of humiliation that people go through there,” the rosh yeshiva said.

Relaying what the bochur told him after his release, Rabbi Boaron described difficult conditions in both detention and military prison. He said the student slept on a thin mattress placed on the floor, had limited opportunities for tefillah, and faced challenging living conditions.

“The hardest part, he said, was the humiliation. If a shirt was slightly out, there were immediate punishments. These are things a ben Torah is not accustomed to.”

Rabbi Boaron added that the bochur was housed together with Bedouin detainees and encountered circumstances that were entirely unfamiliar to him.

“He told me, ‘I would not wish this on anyone.’”

The rosh yeshiva said that although the detention lasted less than a week, its effects remain evident.

“Today he has already returned to the yeshiva, but I see that the bochur is still not fully here. It will take time for him to recover from the experience.”

Following his release, Lamenatzeach visited several gedolim to receive encouragement and guidance.

Rabbi Boaron said that during a visit with Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, the message was simple and repeated several times.

“Do not be afraid, do not be afraid.”

According to the rosh yeshiva, Rav Bergman emphasized those words repeatedly in an effort to strengthen the young man’s spirits.

The bochur later visited Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, where the conversation turned to a friend who had been with him during the incident but was not arrested.

“He asked whether the friend was Ashkenazi, and when they answered that he only looked Ashkenazi, he replied with a smile, ‘No, it is important that he is Ashkenazi.’”

Rabbi Boaron also shared details about how that friend managed to avoid arrest.

“He started talking with the officers about the draft, chatted with them for a bit, and then simply took off and left,” the rosh yeshiva said, describing the escape as another miracle that occurred that night.

During the interview, Rabbi Boaron also discussed the growth of the institutions under his leadership in Givat Ze’ev. He said the local cheder now serves nearly 300 students and that the yeshiva, founded approximately two years ago, operates three daily learning sessions with a strong emphasis on intensive Torah study.

Concluding the interview, Rabbi Boaron expressed concern that additional arrests of yeshiva students may lie ahead.

“This is only the beginning,” he said. “If there is no Torah, there is no derech eretz and there is no state.”

{Matzav.com}

A visit by a group of educators from a prominent Litvishe Talmud Torah to the city of Chevron reportedly ended with an ideological dispute after one of the institutions’ spiritual directors criticized aspects of the tour and declared that Jews are forbidden to reside in the city.

The unusual exchange took place during a recent educational trip attended by approximately 150 melamdim from a well-known Litvishe cheder in central Israel.

The educators visited several historic Jewish sites throughout Chevron, including the graves of Yishai and Rus, the resting places of the Sdei Chemed and Reishis Chochmah, and other revered figures associated with the city. The tour culminated with a visit to the Me’aras Hamachpeilah, where participants davened for personal and communal salvation.

The group was led by Rabbi Yeshayahu Rosenberger, a Gerer chossid, who presented the city’s Jewish history, tracing its story from Biblical times through the eras of Dovid Hamelech and Chizkiyahu, and continuing through the modern period, including the Chabad community, the arrival of the Slabodka Yeshiva, and the contemporary Jewish presence in Chevron.

During the tour, Rabbi Rosenberger recounted traditions connected to the Avrohom Avinu Shul, including accounts that Avrohom Avinu had revealed himself there. Some of the educators reportedly expressed skepticism regarding those traditions.

Rosenberger emphasized several times throughout the tour that his purpose was not to promote any particular ideology but rather to present historical narratives and traditions preserved by the Jewish community of Chevron.

The discussion intensified when he described one of the most famous episodes in the history of the renewed Jewish settlement in Chevron: the story of Sarah Nachshon, whose young son, Avrohom Yedidya, was buried in Chevron’s ancient cemetery in 1975. The burial was significant because it marked the first Jewish burial in the heart of the city since the 1929 Chevron massacre and the subsequent expulsion of the Jewish community.

Rosenberger recounted the statement Sarah Nachshon made at the graveside, words that later became closely associated with the modern Jewish return to Chevron.

“Thousands of years ago, Avrohom buried Sarah in Chevron, and thus acquired Chevron; and today I, Sarah, bury my son Avrohom here, and thus we will acquire Chevron in our generation.”

According to the report, some of the Litvishe educators were uncomfortable with the statement when interpreted literally, feeling that it drew a comparison between Sarah Nachshon and figures from Tanach.

Following the tour, one of the institutions’ spiritual directors reportedly approached Rabbi Rosenberger and expressed concern that elements of the presentation could encourage nationalist sentiment among educators.

“You have to be careful. It is forbidden to inject nationalism into the community of melamdim. And you should know that Jews are forbidden to live in Chevron; the holy Torah forbids living here. Nationalism must not be allowed to penetrate the younger generation.”

Despite the criticism, participants reportedly expressed appreciation for Rabbi Rosenberger’s extensive knowledge and engaging presentation. Sources said the comments were delivered privately and respectfully, reflecting the menahel’s worldview rather than an attempt to publicly challenge the guide.

Those familiar with the event noted that the overwhelming majority of the tour focused on the city’s ancient Jewish heritage, the Avos HaKedoshim, and the historical significance of Chevron. Only a relatively small portion of the program addressed the contemporary Jewish community and modern settlement activity in the city.

The Jewish community of Isfahan issued a sharply worded statement condemning Israel and the United States during a memorial ceremony held in recent days for Iranians killed during the war, declaring support for the Islamic Republic and expressing solidarity with the Iranian people.

The event was held in memory of 170 teachers and children who Iranian officials say were mistakenly killed at the outset of the conflict. According to reports, the tragedy occurred on February 28, 2026, when a cruise missile struck the Shajara Tayeba girls’ elementary school in the southern Iranian city of Minab during a U.S. military operation targeting military sites in the area.

Addressing the gathering, Hakham Suleiman Sadeghpour, one of the leaders of the Jewish community in Isfahan, criticized Israel and the United States while emphasizing the longstanding coexistence of Jews and Muslims in Iran.

“Jews and Muslims throughout the history of this land have lived side by side and played a significant role in creating stable coexistence. In Iran’s history, the solidarity and unity of the people have been important factors in helping the country overcome various challenges and crises.”

Sadeghpour delivered his remarks during a memorial service held at the Keter David Synagogue in Isfahan. He also condemned what he called the “Zionist regime” and praised social cohesion as a key factor in Iran’s endurance.

“Cooperation and social unity are central characteristics of the continuity and stability of Iranian society throughout different periods of Iran’s history.”

He went on to say that Iran has faced numerous hardships over the centuries and has consistently overcome them through national unity.

“Iran has faced many difficult events and conditions throughout history, and history shows that the presence of the people alongside one another and the strengthening of the collective spirit have always played a decisive role in overcoming those conditions.”

Sadeghpour added that the concept of national solidarity remains relevant today and can help preserve peace and stability.

“Reference to the concept of national solidarity, beyond being part of the country’s historical heritage, can still help strengthen tranquility, stability, and peace.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Jewish community of Isfahan released an official statement concerning the war, known in Iran as “Roar of the Lion.”

“We condemn the Zionist and American activity against the Republic of Iran.”

The statement stressed that Iranian Jews identify strongly with their homeland and see themselves as an integral part of the nation.

“We, the Jewish community, express our sympathy and support wherever the name of Iran is mentioned. The distinction between religion and faith is no longer meaningful. Iranian Jews have always seen themselves as Iranians, are filled with sorrow over the martyrdom of Iran’s great leader, and rejoice at the selection of his lawful successor.”

The statement also expressed condolences over the deaths of the children in Minab and condemned the attack as a war crime.

“The Jewish community of Isfahan expresses its deepest condolences over the martyrdom of the children of the noble lineage of Minab and condemns this shameful war crime. The names of the martyrs have touched all of our hearts. This war crime is reprehensible, and the perpetrators of these crimes must be taught a lesson that Iranians will never surrender.”

In perhaps the most striking remarks of the event, Sadeghpour invoked the Biblical story of Moshe and Pharaoh, comparing Iran’s struggle against its adversaries to that ancient conflict.

“Just as Moshe Rabbeinu defeated Pharaoh and the Egyptians, so too will Iran and the Iranian people overcome the perpetrators of these crimes. We will prove that we, the men, women, and children, are present in the field and have shed our blood for this homeland. We, the followers of the Muslim, Zoroastrian, Jewish, and Christian faiths, have all sacrificed martyrs for this country and have always proven that America and the Zionist regime can only imagine bringing this nation to its knees.”

The statement concluded with a prayer that no more children would be harmed and a declaration of loyalty to Iran.

“With the hope that no student will be killed behind a school desk, and with the hope that no foreigner will be allowed to invade this land, Iran is our life.”

A major victory for the chareidi education system was secured this week after MK Moshe Gafni successfully negotiated a one-year reprieve for eight Talmudei Torah affiliated with the Chinuch Atzmai network that had been facing imminent closure.

Following intensive discussions involving Education Minister Yoav Kisch, senior Education Ministry officials, and direct involvement from Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s office, an agreement was reached postponing the planned closures and giving the institutions at least another year to continue operating.

The arrangement brings relief to hundreds of families, teachers, and administrators who had been facing significant uncertainty and provides the Chinuch Atzmai network with additional time to address regulatory demands imposed by the Education Ministry.

Just last week, concerns mounted across the chareidi community as several institutions appeared to be on the verge of shutting their doors. Among the schools reportedly at risk were well-known Talmudei Torah in Bnei Brak, including Talmud Torah Zichron Meir and others, due to government requirements concerning core curriculum studies.

According to reports, Gafni became deeply involved in the issue and spent days conducting negotiations with Education Ministry officials in an effort to prevent the closures.

The talks took place against the backdrop of a High Court petition filed by the Hiddush organization against Chinuch Atzmai. The petition alleges irregularities in instructional-hour reporting and claims that some institutions are not fully complying with mandated core curriculum requirements.

Education experts familiar with the matter explained that while government funding formulas in the past often allowed a degree of flexibility based on partial compliance, government ministries and the courts have recently adopted far stricter standards.

Central to the dispute is the requirement that schools comply with the licensing conditions established by the Education Ministry, standards that critics argue are not currently being met by certain boys’ educational institutions.

The crisis intensified when school administrators received notices from Chinuch Atzmai Director-General Rabbi Eliezer Sorotzkin instructing them to prepare for a collective hearing process involving educational staff, melamdim, and teachers.

Although the move was described as largely procedural and driven by regulatory obligations, it raised alarm throughout the community. Hundreds of families feared potential layoffs, while thousands of students faced uncertainty regarding where they would study in the coming school year.

The newly negotiated agreement has now provided what many view as critical breathing room.

With the closure threat delayed for at least another year, school leaders and Chinuch Atzmai officials will have time to evaluate government requirements, explore possible solutions, and formulate plans that would allow the institutions to continue operating while addressing regulatory concerns.

The agreement is being viewed as especially significant for the hundreds of educators employed by the affected schools, as well as for the thousands of students and parents whose educational future had been thrown into doubt.

For now, the threat that hung over the institutions and jeopardized the upcoming school year has been lifted, allowing classes to open as scheduled.

Supporters of the arrangement say the delay creates an opportunity to pursue long-term solutions that will preserve the unique character of Chinuch Atzmai schools while enabling them to continue functioning within the framework required by government authorities.

Sources in the Torah world expressed appreciation for Gafni’s efforts and for the direct involvement of the Prime Minister’s Office in reaching the compromise.

Attention now turns to the coming year, during which Chinuch Atzmai officials will be tasked with finding a sustainable path forward that will allow the institutions to remain open while satisfying the demands of the educational and legal systems.

{Matzav.com}

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Why? Because for over two years the funding has been frozen. The yeshivos are drowning, the kollelim are buckling, and bochurim are now being arrested for refusing to put down a Gemara. This is the fight for the survival of Torah in Eretz Yisroel, and the gedolim recognize there is no one left to send in their place. So they are coming themselves.

We are being presented with the single greatest opportunity a Yid can be offered: to become a shutaf in the olam haTorah at the exact moment malignant forces are trying to tear it down. Now is the chance attach your name to the learning of an avreich you will never meet, in a beis medrash you may never see, and own a piece of every word he learns.

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The Israeli government’s campaign of economic measures targeting draft-eligible yeshiva students is intensifying, with Israeli Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon pressing ahead with efforts to revoke municipal property tax discounts from young chareidi couples whose husbands do not serve in the military.

In a sharply worded letter sent this week to Interior Ministry Director-General Israel Ozen, Limon rejected the ministry’s refusal to advance regulatory changes that would allow local authorities to deny arnona discounts to households headed by men classified as eligible for military service.

Limon argued that the Interior Ministry’s position conflicts with directives issued by Israel’s Supreme Court and instructed officials to continue promoting the measure without delay. The dispute stems from a ruling by Supreme Court Justice Noam Solberg requiring the ministry to determine how it would address the issue of municipal tax discounts for those subject to military draft obligations.

Last Thursday, the Interior Ministry informed officials that it did not intend to pursue the proposed sanction, citing several concerns. Among them were fears that the measure could undermine the financial stability of local governments, push vulnerable families deeper into poverty, and create legal and practical difficulties for municipalities being asked to enforce military service policy.

Limon dismissed those arguments, insisting that both the courts and government professionals have identified the loss of arnona benefits as an effective mechanism for encouraging military service.

“The arguments regarding harm to weaker populations and local authorities do not constitute sufficient justification,” Limon wrote. “We will not be able to defend this position legally.”

Addressing concerns about the financial impact on affected households, Limon acknowledged that eliminating the discounts could significantly burden many families but maintained that the measure was specifically chosen because of its effectiveness.

“Revoking an arnona discount may be economically significant for many households, and for that reason it was identified as an effective step to encourage those obligated to serve. If consequences materialize, government authorities can be expected to formulate appropriate responses.”

Limon also pointed to what he described as a procedural issue, noting that the matter had not been presented to the appropriate ministerial authority. He wrote that because Israel has been without a serving interior minister for approximately ten months, the relevant powers should have been formally transferred to the prime minister, as required by law.

The letter follows another controversial development announced a day earlier. Under new guidelines currently being prepared by government agencies, Torah institutions that enroll students classified as draft-eligible could lose eligibility for tax benefits tied to charitable donations.

Those guidelines were formulated during high-level discussions involving the Justice Ministry, the Israel Tax Authority, and the Corporations Authority ahead of a Supreme Court hearing scheduled for July.

The Israel Tax Authority is expected to publish an official notice on the matter in the coming days. The proposal would add another layer to a growing list of financial penalties that Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and her office have sought to impose on draft-eligible yeshiva students and the institutions in which they study.

Leaders in the Torah world view the latest move as part of what they describe as an escalating campaign of economic pressure aimed at chareidi families and Torah institutions.

The issue has also sparked sharp disagreements within the government. During a cabinet meeting approximately two weeks ago, several ministers reportedly criticized the attorney general’s demands. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi voiced particular opposition, declaring: “The government’s policy is that those who do not learn Torah enlist—so why are we discussing measures against those whose Torah study is their occupation?”

{Matzav.com}