Shas Council of Torah Sages Condemns Supreme Court Over Yeshiva Draft Law Challenges

The Council of Torah Sages of the Shas movement issued a sharp and vehement statement directly addressing the Supreme Court judges ahead of the court's ruling on petitions against the law preventing the arrest of yeshiva students for military service. The letter explicitly denies any recognition of the Supreme Court's authority to adjudicate religious matters, labeling the court as far from justice and accusing it of legal distortion and blatant discrimination. The council describes the attempts to draft yeshiva students as a "campaign of persecution and coercion against religion," warning of severe consequences for the spiritual and existential security of the state.

The letter emphasizes that the campaign to conscript Torah scholars violates basic principles of justice and honesty, and it cites Israel's Declaration of Independence guaranteeing freedom of religion, asserting that forced conscription of yeshiva students is illegal and halachically forbidden. The sages support their stance with Talmudic sources and rulings from Maimonides, explaining that the tribe of Levi and all Torah scholars are exempt from military service, even in obligatory wars, as their role is spiritual and foundational to the nation's security.

Rejecting public arguments about equality in sharing the military burden, the council argues that the true burden is Torah study, which sustains Israel's national security and economy. They stress that Torah study must be communal and continuous, citing rabbinic teachings on the spiritual protection it provides. The letter also highlights historical and contemporary evidence, including statements from military leaders and Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, that Israel's survival is due to divine protection linked to Torah study.

Concluding with a stern warning, the council asserts that Torah scholars have preserved the Jewish nation's soul through generations and that attempts to persecute them in Israel threaten the very foundation of the Jewish state and its tradition. They call on the public and authorities to respect and protect the yeshiva students and their sacred mission.