Foto:Reuters
A recent ruling by the Israeli Supreme Court (Bagatz), which deemed the funding of yeshivas illegal if their students do not enlist in the army, has prompted the ultra-Orthodox community to revive an old practice—seeking financial support from their “brothers” in the United States. In response to this ruling, the ultra-Orthodox community in Israel has successfully raised nearly $100 million in the US.
The fundraising mission is led by 94-year-old Rabbi Dov Lando and 87-year-old Moshe Hillel Hirsch, leaders of the non-Hasidic Lithuanian Haredi community. This initiative was reported by the newspaper “Haaretz”.
The Supreme Court’s verdict halted the inflow of 270 million shekels for the current year, leading to a projected deficit of 400 million shekels by 2025. The situation could worsen if funding for kindergartens for children of ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students not enlisted in the army is also cut.
The collection of $100 million, though a significant achievement, is seen as a temporary fix. In his speech, Rabbi Dov Lando harshly criticized the authorities’ decision: “The evildoers and the authorities have taken away the budgets that were allocated to yeshivas and kollels, leaving yeshivas in a situation where they cannot continue to operate. Some have already closed.”
Lando also warned that the cessation of Torah study in Israel would negatively affect Jews worldwide and thus urged continued financial support.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, the ultra-Orthodox community has demonstrated its ability to mobilize and show solidarity in challenging times by raising substantial funds to sustain their religious institutions.
