A Nation of Torah Stands Together: Historic Gathering Planned in Jerusalem
Hundreds of thousands expected to join a peaceful demonstration to defend the freedom of Torah study, as Gedolei Yisrael urge participants to sanctify Hashem’s Name through unity and dignity.
Why This Protest Matters
For generations, the foundation of the Jewish people has rested upon “the voice of Yaakov” — the sound of Torah learning and tefillah. From the time of Yaakov Avinu until today, it has been understood that the spiritual strength of Klal Yisrael depends not on armies and weapons, but on Torah and mitzvos.
The government’s attempts to draft bnei yeshiva are not simply a bureaucratic issue; they are an attack on the very core of our national existence — the freedom to serve Hashem through Torah without compromise. Every ben Torah, every yeshiva, every father and mother who sends their children to learn is affected. The Gedolei Yisrael have emphasized that this is not a political matter, but a gzeiras shmad — a decree threatening the continuity of Torah in our land.
As the Steipler Gaon zt”l once said:
“המלחמה של הדור היא על התורה — אם תישאר התורה בלומדיה או תישמט ח"ו.”
“The struggle of our generation is for the Torah itself — whether it will remain with its learners or, Heaven forbid, be taken from them.”
The Call of the Gedolim
In preparation for the gathering, leading Gedolim across the Charedi world — Litvish, Chassidish, and Sephardi alike — have urged the tzibbur to come only with pure intentions and a calm heart, to demonstrate our commitment to Torah with dignity, not anger.
They have reminded us that we are Bnei Torah, and our strength lies in menuchas hanefesh, not in shouting or provocation. Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l would often say, “הכוח שלנו הוא לא בידיים אלא בפה ובתורה” — “Our power is not in our hands but in our mouths and in our Torah.”
Indeed, Gedolim have emphasized that the gathering must be a Kiddush Hashem, not a chilul Hashem. We are not protesting against individuals; we are standing up for the eternal truth that Torah is the life-source of Am Yisrael.
How to Conduct Ourselves
Those who attend have been urged to come with tehillim, siddurim, and the proper mindset — not to argue, not to shout slogans of hate, but to declare through our presence and tefillah that Torah is our essence.
The Chazon Ish zt”l taught that the way to protest decrees against Torah is “בשתיקה ובכובד ראש” — with silence and seriousness — showing that the Torah Jew does not respond with anger, but with conviction and emunah.
Crowd organizers are coordinating closely with rabbanim to ensure orderliness and respect. Chessed organizations will provide water and assistance. Police have been asked to cooperate peacefully, and the Gedolim have requested that everyone follow their instructions so that the entire event reflects the dignity befitting lomdei Torah.
Beyond the Protest
The importance of this gathering goes beyond the day itself. It is a statement to the world — and to Heaven — that Am Yisrael stands with its Torah. We are declaring, as generations before us did in times of spiritual trial: “אין לנו חלק ונחלה אלא בתורה הקדושה.”
Every moment of Torah learning, every tefillah said with kavana, every act of kindness and mutual respect is part of this battle — a battle fought not with force, but with faith.
As one Gadol expressed this week:
“איננו נאבקים נגד המדינה — אנו נאבקים על הנשמה שלה.”
“We are not fighting against the State; we are fighting for its soul.”
A Moment of Unity
Let us therefore approach this event with achdus, humility, and strength. Whether one stands in the streets of Yerushalayim or in the walls of a beis midrash saying Tehillim, we are all united in one purpose: to uphold the dignity and freedom of Torah in Eretz Yisrael.
May this gathering bring kavod Shamayim, awaken rachamim, and strengthen the eternal covenant between Hashem and His people.