Top Rabbi Sends Letter of Support to Yeshiva Student Jailed for Draft Evasion
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Rabbi Abraham Saliem, a prominent figure in the Council of Torah Sages, wrote a letter of support to yeshiva student Eliyahu Debrah, who is jailed for refusing military service. The rabbi praised Debrah's commitment to Torah study and assured him that the entire Torah community stands with him. He expressed hope for Debrah's imminent release from military prison.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Abraham Saliem sent a letter of support to yeshiva student Eliyahu Debrah, jailed for draft evasion.
- The rabbi praised Debrah's dedication to Torah study as the reason for his imprisonment.
- Rabbi Saliem assured Debrah that the entire Torah community stands with him.
- The letter invoked biblical verses to encourage the imprisoned student.
- Rabbi Saliem expressed hope for Debrah's swift release from military prison.
Rabbi Abraham Saliem, head of the Ma'or HaTorah Yeshiva and a member of the Council of Torah Sages, has sent a letter of encouragement to Eliyahu Debrah, a yeshiva student imprisoned by military police for failing to report for service. The rabbi praised Debrah's "adherence to Torah study" as the reason for his imprisonment, attributing it to the Israeli government.
In his letter, Rabbi Saliem invoked King David's words from Psalms, assuring the imprisoned student, "Even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me." He added that "the Divine Presence is in exile, the Divine Presence is with you and guards you," and that Debrah is fortunate to be detained for the sake of Heaven.
The rabbi urged Debrah to remain strong in his faith and Torah study, to break through "the iron curtain and the yoke of the kingdom," and assured him that the entire world of Torah stands with him. He expressed hope for a swift release, stating that God would not abandon his people.
Rabbi Saliem concluded the letter with expressions of affection and anticipation of salvation, signing off as "Loving and greatly appreciating you, be strong until salvation."
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