In a poignant conversation held at his home, the Rosh Yeshiva of Slabodka, Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, addressed leading figures in the yeshiva world on the pressing topic of the army draft and the recent surge in draft notices. The meeting, attended by the heads of the organization Ezram U’Meginam, focused on offering practical guidance for yeshiva bochurim navigating these turbulent times.
Ezram U’Meginam was established at the direction of gedolei Yisroel, under the leadership of Rav Hirsch, with direct oversight from Rav Yehoshua Eichenstein and coordination by Degel activist Chaim Karelitz. It provides concrete support for bochurim and kollel yungeleit threatened by military conscription.
During the gathering, Rav Hirsch emphasized the importance of strengthening bochurim’s spirits. “Right now, there’s fear about army service, and many bochurim are uncertain about the future,” he said. “Most are not afraid, but there’s a visible minority who are. It disrupts their learning and their lives. Parents, who may understand the situation more than the boys themselves, especially in Eretz Yisroel, also express concern. So the question is: What should we be saying?”
He added, “We’re not talking about those who have already chosen to enlist. We’re not discussing hesder or mechinah students. We’re referring to the majority—mainstream yeshiva bochurim—who haven’t gone down that path but are still frightened. And that fear must be addressed. We need to speak openly about our generation’s challenges.”
Rav Hirsch underscored the value of viewing life’s challenges through the lens of nisayon. Quoting the Derech Hashem, he explained that just as the army assigns every soldier a specific role contributing to a greater mission, Hashem gives each person their unique challenge—together creating the spiritual completeness He desires. “Bochurim must know that Hashem only gives nisyonos to those who are capable of overcoming them.”
He also highlighted the importance of bitachon, urging ramim and mashgichim to instill in students a true understanding of trust in Hashem. “We must uplift the boys. There’s no other choice.”
On whether discussions about the draft should be held publicly in yeshivos, Rav Hirsch clarified: “I was referring to private conversations. The mashgiach must be alert to who needs that support. I wasn’t suggesting speaking to the yeshiva at large.”
Addressing another hot-button issue, Rav Hirsch responded to concerns from parents whose sons cannot travel abroad over bein hazemanim due to receiving draft orders. “It depends on the yeshiva. In some places, the boys aren’t bothered. In others—particularly those with a more modern atmosphere—it’s more common, and in those cases, a public conversation may be necessary.”
On the Kudkod unit, which attracts students from across the yeshiva world, Rav Hirsch was unequivocal: “Only a few go there—and they’re not the strong bochurim. They’re already planning to work after marriage and are at greater risk. But even solid kollel-minded bochurim are scared now—scared of arrest, scared of the future.”
“We are facing a new reality,” Rav Hirsch declared. “Until now, boys in Eretz Yisroel didn’t have to bear this responsibility. Everything ran smoothly. But now, they must understand that things have changed. We’ve entered dangerous territory, and we must address it. We must talk about nisayon, about bitachon, and about whatever else will strengthen them.”
When asked whether a clear message should be communicated to bochurim that there is no place for a yeshiva student in the army, Rav Hirsch responded, “Of course. It must be crystal clear that there is absolutely no path—no hesder, no Kudkod—for a yeshiva bochur. That is pashut. But that only applies to a specific type of boy, who likely won’t continue learning. The vast majority don’t belong there at all. They’re just scared.”
How to handle such fear? Rav Hirsch answered, “A young bochur doesn’t always know what to do. We must uplift him. Explain to him clearly that this is a new challenge from Hakadosh Boruch Hu. Teach him the relevant pesukim, build his bitachon, calm him down—so he can return to his learning with peace of mind.”
He added that there are two types of bochurim: “Some always assumed they’d learn for a couple of years and then move on. These are the ones tempted to start the army process now. To them we must say: If you go now, you’re endangering your entire Yiddishkeit. The army is not a place to rely on. It changes people.”
“The second group, which includes the overwhelming majority, never considered leaving yeshiva. They’re simply shaken by this unfamiliar situation. We must address their fears gently, gradually making them aware of the shift that’s taking place and where things may be headed.”
He then delivered a powerful message: “We must reassure the bochurim that they are at the heart of gedolei Yisroel. We are doing everything possible to keep every single bochur out of the army. There may not be a draft law, but even if arrests happen, we will work tirelessly to prevent or minimize them, through legal channels and whatever means necessary.”
Most importantly, Rav Hirsch emphasized: “It is critical that every single bochur knows that we are fully aware of everything going on with him, and we have his back. He must feel supported by the rosh yeshiva and know that we’re behind him.”
When asked if the issue of the draft should be addressed in group discussions or even at camps, Rav Hirsch replied, “Where there’s real concern, yes. But in the better yeshivos, most boys aren’t thinking about the army. It’s not even a consideration.”
Yet in some cases, he acknowledged, the draft is the topic of conversation—even affecting bochurim whose brothers serve. “If that’s the reality, then yes, they must be told clearly—clearly, clearly, clearly—that the army is not an option. It’s the beginning of the breakdown of one’s Yiddishkeit. It may not start with chilul Shabbos, but spiritual decline is inevitable.”
And to bochurim facing parental pressure to view military service as acceptable for those not learning? Rav Hirsch was direct: “It must be made absolutely clear—choosing the army is gambling with your Yiddishkeit. It’s more than a risk. It’s almost a guarantee of spiritual deterioration.”
As for what the yeshivos should do over bein hazemanim, he advised: “Camps should remain local, and unnecessary travel should be minimized.”
Finally, Rav Hirsch reiterated: “The mashgiach must be vigilant, speaking to each bochur who needs guidance. But public talks aren’t always appropriate. In many cases, private conversations are the key.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
