Rav Moshe Shternbuch to Yeshiva Student Pursued by Military Police: “They Corrupt You Immediately, They Are Accursed Resha’im”
A yeshiva bochur from Or Yehuda, who has recently been targeted by the military police, came urgently to the room of Rav Moshe Shternbuch in his yeshiva in Beit Shemesh. The young man had been arrested late at night for dedicating his time to Torah study instead of serving in the IDF.
The bochur had been held in custody at Tel HaShomer, and during a court hearing several days later, he declared his intent to enlist, which led to his temporary release. However, in recent days, military authorities have once again launched an active pursuit to detain him.
Because of the mounting pressure, the bochur was brought to Rav Shternbuch’s private room to seek encouragement and hear the daas Torah regarding his obligation in this situation.
Rav Shternbuch offered him strong words of support, saying: “Ashrecha! This requires real mesirus nefesh. They corrupt people there immediately.”
Rav Shternbuch continued, issuing a sharp warning about IDF recruitment efforts: “They promise that everything is good and that they supposedly accommodate chareidi boys, but it’s all lies and deception. They are wicked liars, accursed resha’im. Hold yourself strong, and Hashem will hold you strong.”
One of the attendees asked Rav Shternbuch if the bochur should be afraid, explaining that the army had summoned him urgently and was threatening severe consequences if he failed to appear.
Rav Shternbuch responded firmly: “Nothing at all.” He added: “Tell them to speak to Rav Shternbuch, who forbade you from going to the army.”
Before the meeting concluded, Rav Shternbuch blessed the bochur warmly: “May you have the strength to stand against them, much bracha and hatzlacha, and above all, may you remain full of simcha.”
Another young man who had narrowly escaped capture by the military police also arrived. Rav Shternbuch praised him and gave him a bracha as well: “He is already holding a bracha and will receive another. Fortunate is he and his portion. He has stood in the nisayon and will continue to stand in the nisayon.”
Finally, Rav Shternbuch urged the bochurim to remain steadfast and unafraid, concluding: “Be strong. Don’t think that only you fear them — they are also afraid of you.”
{Matzav.com Israel}