Rabbi Dov Lando Condemns National Religious Support for Yeshiva Draft as Incitement to Murder

Rabbi Dov Lando, a leading figure in the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community, sharply criticized supporters of drafting yeshiva students from the national religious sector, accusing them of inciting murder. He made these remarks during a meeting at his home with Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, head of the Mir Yeshiva, and Rabbi Binyamin Finkel, the yeshiva supervisor. The yeshiva leaders came to thank Rabbi Lando for his dedication to Torah study and fundraising efforts for yeshivas.

Rabbi Lando expressed concern over the financial difficulties faced by yeshivas, emphasizing the need for continued support. When informed about donations from Jews in the United States, he acknowledged the generosity but blamed the hardships on "evil forces," including those wearing the national religious kippah who advocate mandatory enlistment of yeshiva students.

He explicitly targeted the national religious community members who support compulsory military service for yeshiva students, stating, "Sending soldiers to kill for the honor of the state is outright murder." He accused them of inciting violence and engaging in wars not solely for defense but for state honor. When asked about how to pray amid this situation, Rabbi Lando said he did not know but urged prayers for a swift and peaceful resolution.

Towards the end of the meeting, Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel shared that the yeshiva students had undertaken a vow of silence, which Rabbi Lando praised as a significant and admirable act.