Rabbi Dov Landau Raises Funds in the U.S. for Israeli Torah Institutions

Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox leader Rabbi Dov Landau traveled to the United States to raise money for Keren Olam HaTorah, a fund created to support yeshivas and kollelim in Israel after part of their government funding was cut. Speaking at a gathering in Monsey, New York, he told thousands of attendees that he and other fund organizers were traveling “from place to place to voice the cry of Torah.”

Landau said Jewish communities everywhere were deeply pained by what he described as restrictions against Torah learners in Israel. He said that even before Shabbat began, Jews “from all groups and communities” came together to hear about the distress facing the Torah world. “There is no Jew in the world whose heart is not pained by the decrees against Torah learners in the Land of Israel,” he said.

He praised major donors who have already given large sums to the fund, calling them “righteous Jews” who are contributing “extraordinary” amounts. At the same time, he urged ordinary supporters to give whatever they can. “Everyone should strive to give according to his ability and beyond his ability to Keren Olam HaTorah, and no one should give less than supporting at least one avrekh,” he said.

Landau also said donations would bring benefit rather than loss. “Whoever gives to Keren Olam HaTorah will not lose, but will gain double and more,” he said, adding a prayer for divine blessing, love of Torah, and fear of Heaven. The fund was established in 2024 by senior ultra-Orthodox leaders and American donors after decisions and rulings led to major cuts in funding for some yeshivas and kollelim. It aims to raise hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide to offset the budget damage tied to the crisis over military conscription for yeshiva students.