Opinion Piece Urges Herzog to Step In on Haredi Draft Crisis

Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Chaim Cohen, writing as a column of opinion, appeals directly to President Isaac Herzog to intervene in the escalating fight over drafting yeshiva students. Cohen says the situation has become dangerous for the world of Torah study and claims that young yeshiva students are now afraid to leave home because they could be arrested.

He argues that the real issue is not the general question of military service, but the specific targeting of full-time Torah learners. Cohen warns that if the current course continues, police or other forces could soon enter yeshivas and arrest students, something he compares to dark periods in Jewish history.

Cohen says he has no faith in current politicians to solve the crisis. He singles out Itamar Ben Gvir, saying he is good at publicity and at public visits to the Temple Mount, but has abandoned yeshiva students at the critical moment. He also dismisses Ben Gvir's partners as preoccupied with personal and legal matters.

The column turns to Herzog's past role in the 1999 draft dispute, when, as cabinet secretary, he helped build trust with leading rabbis and was involved in the creation of the Tal Committee, which Cohen says resolved the crisis at the time. Cohen also cites Herzog's recent intervention during the judicial overhaul crisis as proof that he can mediate difficult national disputes. He concludes that Herzog is the only person who can stop what he calls the current persecution and restore calm, ending with the plea, “it is your time.”