This Wednesday, tens of thousands are expected to fill Grand Army Plaza in a demonstration against the recent efforts to draft yeshiva bochurim in Eretz Yisroel. Drivers are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly.
By Anash.org reporter
On Wednesday, 28 Tishrei, tens of thousands are expected to fill Grand Army Plaza in a demonstration against the recent ruling by the Israeli Supreme Court to draft yeshiva bochurim.
The rally, titled “The Cry of the Exile,” aims to project a united voice from the chassidishe community against the draft. The rally will bring together various kehilos, including rival Satmar factions, whose leaders have notably signed a joint declaration for this cause—an unprecedented occurrence. Prominent rabbonim have committed to participating, voicing serious concern about the recent draft ruling.
The IDF is currently preparing to send out 5,000 draft orders to bochurim, including many in Lubavitch yeshivos, in an effort to meet the recruitment target mandated by the Supreme Court judges. In the meantime, over 800 bochurim who failed to report for previous orders have become draft dodgers and arrest warrants have been issued against them. This is despite an agreement with Netanyahu’s government.
Community announcements urge everyone to prioritize this event as a critical moment to voice their opposition. Giant posters have been displayed throughout Brooklyn in the lead-up to the rally, which is expected to attract tens of thousands.
Although the Rebbe famously opposed the draft of yeshiva bochurim and highlighted the critical role they play in protecting the land through their Torah learning, the Rebbe did not call for rallies or demonstrations.
As a result of the gathering, traffic disruptions and road closures around Grand Army Plaza are anticipated. Drivers are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly.
the Rebbe did not call for rallies or demonstrations on behalf of the Yidden in Russia behind the iron curtain or is this a general thing?
The Rebbe opposed demenstrations on behalf of the Yidden in Russia because it would make their situation even worse!!
But why would the Rebbe oppose a rally like this?
It’s a big achrayus to be poiresh min hatzibur (the rest of the frumeh velt) especially about a cause that directly effects us and that we happen to agree with.
When Israel is at war, to go and protest the government in a foreign country is a disgrace
Will grand army plaza be closed off?
This can cause major chilul Hashem!
People who aren’t Jewish don’t understand the complex nuances. They will come away from this thinking that most Jews are against Israel and the IDF.
(think of what it will look like when neturei Karte people show up this time among a massive crowd of orthodox Jews all protesting against the current Israeli government.)
Jews publicizing internal diputes has a dangerous precedent in history. The burning of the talmud in France 1242 was a direct result and consequence of some Rabbonim publicizing their opposition of the Moreh Nevuchim to the church. And asking then to burn it.
Same thing happened when the Ramchal’s writings were burned publicly. The talmud was later burned by the church in Italy.
These Rabbunim were holy people who had a legitimate reason to want these books to be banned. But the problem was that it was publicized to the church and they asked the church to intervene.
Whether there should be protests about this in Israel is a separate story. But mass public protests in Chutz Laaretz will accomplish nothing but on the contrary can cause a big chillul Hashem.
Around 1975, Satmer made a demonstration against Israel in Madison Sq Garden. Satmer bahurim gave out pamphlets about it in the streets of Manhattan. They put posters in all the Jewish neighborhoods including Crown Heights. It was against Chillul Shabbos, autopsies, and drafting of girls in the army. Everyone went except Chabad. On the Shabbos afterwords, the Rebbe spoke about it. The Rebbe said that it is a Chillul Hashem in front of the Goyim. One has to be careful with every word. But to do it on the 10 Days of Repentence is unheard of!
It is a printed Sicha.
Thank you. Do you know where it’s printed? I’m interested in seeing it in the Rebbe’s words.
Do you recall which Sicha. I think the asifah was Adar 5739, No?