Former Israeli Supreme Court President Recalls Defending Hasidic Leader at Military Draft Office

During the current heated debate in Israel over the conscription of ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, a remarkable story from 73 years ago has resurfaced, highlighting a moment of unexpected solidarity between two young men from opposite sides of Israeli society. The encounter took place at the military draft office in Jerusalem, where 17-year-old Aharon Barak, who would later become President of the Supreme Court of Israel, witnessed a group of religious youths being harassed by secular peers. Barak chose to defend one of the yeshiva students, Shmuel Berzovsky, who would grow up to be the Salonsky Rebbe.

Barak recounted in a video how he invited Berzovsky to sit and talk quietly amid the tension, discovering they were born on the exact same day, September 16, 1936 (29th of Elul, 5696 in the Hebrew calendar). Their initial meeting ended with a handshake, but the connection was renewed decades later when Berzovsky sent Barak a heartfelt letter on their 60th birthday. In the letter, Berzovsky recalled the draft office encounter as a rare moment of understanding and support across deeply divided worlds, expressing gratitude for Barak's unexpected defense and friendship.

Berzovsky reflected on the significance of their shared birthdate, suggesting it might explain Barak's protective instinct. He emphasized the lasting impact of their brief but meaningful interaction, which transcended their different backgrounds and became a symbol of mutual respect and tolerance. This story serves as an inspiring example amid ongoing tensions surrounding military service exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community in Israel.

The episode underscores the potential for empathy and unity in Israeli society, even between individuals from vastly different cultural and religious spheres. It also highlights the personal histories behind prominent Israeli leaders and the enduring power of human connection in times of social conflict.