Rabbi Shraga Steinman Strongly Opposes 'Black Flag' Alerts for Yeshiva Draft Resistance

Rabbi Shraga Steinman, head of the Orchos Torah yeshiva and member of the Council of Torah Sages, has issued a handwritten letter sharply opposing participation in the "Black Flag" alert system. This system mobilizes thousands to protest and respond during attempts to arrest yeshiva students and draft evaders. The letter, written in response to several halachic and public questions, explicitly states that joining such protest initiatives is not in line with the character and conduct of a true Torah scholar, declaring, "This is not the way of the sons of Torah."

The letter was prompted by inquiries including a complex halachic question about a prayer and a pressing public question on whether it is appropriate to join the "Black Flag" alert network. Rabbi Steinman’s unequivocal rejection of the system aligns with his recent remarks emphasizing the importance of focusing on Torah study rather than street protests amid the ongoing challenges posed by military conscription efforts targeting the Haredi community.

In a recent conversation at his home, Rabbi Steinman highlighted the community’s current state as one of exile with hardships, stressing that while the reasons for these difficulties are unknown and unanswerable, those who truly dedicate themselves to Torah study will be protected. His stance adds to the ongoing debate within the ultra-Orthodox world regarding the best response to government conscription policies.

The letter and Rabbi Steinman’s position were first published last Sunday on the Bavli website, drawing significant attention within the Torah world and among Haredi leadership.