Thousands Gather at Beit Lid Prison for Gur Hasidim Rally Over Yeshiva Student's Arrest

The Gur Hasidic community is holding a large rally at Beit Lid Prison (Prison 10) in central Israel following the arrest of yeshiva student Israel Reuven Fein. Fein, a student at the "Sfat Emet" yeshiva, was detained after appearing three times at the military recruitment office attempting to regularize his status, refusing conscription in line with directives from leading rabbis. The rally is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. with evening prayers led by the Gur Rebbe, preceded by a speech from benefactor Meir Cohen, who significantly funded the event. Rabbi Meir Flekser, head of the "Chidushai Harim" yeshiva, will deliver an impassioned call to the attendees.

Hours before the rally, MK Yitzhak Goldknopf, chairman of United Torah Judaism, visited the imprisoned students at Beit Lid Prison accompanied by Deputy Minister Moti Babadzik. Upon leaving, Goldknopf was visibly emotional, expressing sorrow over the tears of the students and their families, emphasizing that their only "offense" is following the path of Torah and reverence as instructed by their rabbis.

Security forces and police have deployed reinforced measures around the prison in anticipation of thousands of Hasidim arriving from across Israel. Meanwhile, the community's lawyers and activists continue legal efforts to secure Fein's prompt release. The event marks the second major public demonstration by the Gur Hasidim protesting the detention of Torah students for refusing military service.