Rav Dovid Leibel Breaks Silence: “The Current Reality Harms the Torah World”
Amid intensifying tensions surrounding the IDF draft crisis and the recent withdrawal of chareidi parties from Israel’s coalition, Rav Dovid Leibel has released a public letter, ending a prolonged period of silence. In the strongly worded letter, titled “The Obligation of This Moment,” Rav Leibel voices deep concern over the state’s handling of the draft issue and proposes a multi-step framework aimed at protecting the Torah world while addressing the broader crisis.
Rav Leibel, who months ago initiated the formation of the Chativas Chashmonaim to offer an alternative framework for chareidim not engaged in full-time Torah study, faced opposition from several gedolei Yisroel. At the same time, the IDF refused to codify strict religious accommodations in official army protocols—a condition Rav Leibel viewed as essential for the program’s success.
“Torah is the foundation of our existence, but in order to protect it, we must distinguish between those truly immersed in Torah and those who are not actively engaged in study,” Rav Leibel writes. He continues, “The current situation, where there is no distinction and no organized framework, is detrimental to the Torah world and to the entire chareidi community.”
The letter calls for a clear delineation between bnei Torah and those not learning full-time, emphasizing that this is not a compromise of principles, but a call to responsibility. “This is not a call for compromise, but a call for accountability,” the letter states.
Rav Leibel outlines a proposed three-part plan: the creation of designated military service tracks for chareidim not in yeshiva, with full protection of religious standards enshrined in army regulations; the establishment of an independent civilian rabbinic oversight committee to safeguard the program’s religious integrity; and the formation of a separate rabbinic committee to evaluate the structure and standards within the yeshiva world.
He also calls for introspection within the yeshiva system itself: “There must be internal clarity in the yeshivos so that every individual can find his proper place—whether in the world of Torah or in a suitable framework for national service.”
Sources close to Rav Leibel say that the decision to speak out came after months of private efforts and hopes that behind-the-scenes negotiations would succeed. But when it became clear that these talks were stalling and the army continued to reject the proposed religious safeguards, Rav Leibel felt compelled to express his position publicly.
{Matzav.com Israel}