Thousands of Haredi Seminary Students Rally for Torah Institutions

Tens of thousands of Haredi seminary students across Israel participated in large-scale rallies on Tuesday in preparation for a national fundraising day for Torah institutions. Approximately 20,000 students gathered in three major locations: Bnei Brak, Modi'in Illit, and Jerusalem. These events, described as "historic," were held to secure the future of Torah study in Israel, particularly in light of perceived budget cuts.

In Bnei Brak, around 5,000 students attended a rally where prominent rabbis, including Rabbi Dov Landau and Rabbi Avraham Salem, addressed the gathering. Rabbi Landau emphasized the crucial role of Torah study in the existence of the Jewish people, citing an ancient scholar. Rabbi Salem highlighted the widespread support for yeshivas and kollels from Jews worldwide and urged the students to actively participate in fundraising, drawing parallels to historical precedents for merit during the High Holy Days.

Modi'in Illit hosted a rally of approximately 3,000 students, with speakers including Rabbi Shimon Galai and the head of the "Keran Olam Hatorah" fund, Rabbi Reuven Wolf. Rabbi Wolf described the situation as "critical" and a "historic sanctification of God's name," stressing that the students were acting with the full backing of senior rabbis. The event was held at a venue whose owners donated its use.

Jerusalem saw the largest gathering, with around 12,000 students convening at the Bayan Klaus. Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch and Rabbi David Cohen were among the distinguished guests. Rabbi Hirsch spoke about the immense merits gained by the students participating in this initiative, particularly as the High Holy Days approach, and underscored that the responsibility for sustaining yeshivas and kollels rests on their shoulders.

The rallies concluded with a strong sense of purpose, as the students prepared to go out across the country on Wednesday to solicit donations, aiming to ensure the continued existence and flourishing of Torah study centers.