Rabbi Sharlo Condemns Claims Against Hesder Soldiers as Harmful and False

Rabbi Elhanan Sharlo, head of the Atniel Yeshiva, addressed the ongoing war and public debate over military service during his opening lesson. While acknowledging that discussions about the format of service, including shortening service for Torah study, are legitimate, he strongly opposed statements questioning the competence of Hesder soldiers. He described such claims as rooted in ignorance regarding combat, soldier training, and the significant contributions of Hesder soldiers on the front lines.

Rabbi Sharlo emphasized that these accusations are not only baseless but also deeply hurtful to the families of fallen soldiers. He questioned whether bereaved parents should be told their children died because they were less capable, calling such statements lies. He stressed the importance of unity and bridge-building within society and expressed willingness to engage in dialogue on any topic. However, he warned that harmful rhetoric undermines these efforts, describing it as "offensive, blood-shedding, and distancing the possibility of creating connections."