What’s the Charedi View on Mass Demonstrations — and What’s the Difference Between Those Led by Gedolim and Those Caused by Radicals?
Protests. Demonstrations. Marches in the streets.
From time to time, the Charedi community in Eretz Yisrael organizes large public gatherings. Sometimes it’s a demonstration against a law that threatens Torah life, other times a tefillah rally in response to spiritual danger. But the Charedi world also distances itself sharply from unruly street protests filled with shouting, pushing, or public disrespect.
So what’s the difference?
1. When Gedolim Call for a Protest, It’s a Kiddush Hashem
In the Charedi world, public demonstrations are never a first resort. They are rare, measured, and only take place with the guidance and approval of leading Gedolei Yisrael—and only when there is a Torah-justified reason to do so.
When Gedolim lead a public demonstration, they are:
- Deeply calculating the spiritual impact on Klal Yisrael
- Ensuring the tone is one of prayer, pain, and humility, not fury
- Carefully limiting chilul Hashem by setting standards of behavior
- Seeing it as a moment for public arousal and teshuvah, not just public outcry
A clear example is the “Atzeres Tefillah” held in March 2014 against the Israeli draft law, where over 500,000 men, women, and children gathered in Yerushalayim with complete silence and heartfelt tefillah. There was no yelling, no political signs, no violence—just Tehillim.
“The tefillah gathering was a public proclamation of emunah, of bitachon, and of the centrality of Torah to our existence. It was not a political rally—it was a public tefillah.” — Rav Aharon Feldman shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Yisroel
This is the Torah way.
2. When Radicals Protest, It’s Often a Chillul Hashem
On the other hand, fringe elements within the broader Charedi-looking public sometimes organize or participate in protests without the guidance of Gedolim. These may include:
- Violent or aggressive tactics, such as throwing objects or blocking roads
- Disrespectful signs and language that cause disgrace to Torah Jews
- Disobedience to halacha or the law without any Torah justification
- Lack of structure or purpose, causing confusion even within the Torah world
These protests are not endorsed by true Torah leadership. In fact, Gedolim across the generations have spoken sharply against such actions.
“To desecrate the Name of Hashem in public—no matter how noble one’s intentions—is a terrible aveirah. If it causes hatred of Torah, it is forbidden, even if it comes from pain.” — Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach zt”l, Michtavim U'Maamarim Vol. 3
In some cases, these radicals don’t even belong to the Charedi community. Groups like Sikrikim, or elements of Neturei Karta, do not follow the instructions of Gedolei Torah, even though they may dress in traditional black-and-white attire. Their actions should not be blamed on the broader Charedi public.
3. The Goal Is to Elevate, Not Explode
Charedim believe that demonstration should lead to introspection, not incitement. When used properly—with daas Torah and clear goals—it can be a tool for awakening hearts and inspiring teshuvah.
But when misused, it brings chilul Hashem, division, and damage.
That’s why Charedim follow the Gedolim. Only they can determine when a protest is truly l’shem Shamayim—and how it should be carried out.
4. Historical Precedent for Tefillah Gatherings
The idea of public prayer in response to national danger is deeply rooted in Torah:
"צומו עלי ואל תאכלו ואל תשתו שלשת ימים..." “Fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days…” — Esther 4:16
When Mordechai and Esther saw a decree against the Jewish people, their first move was a national gathering of fasting and tefillah, not a political protest.
Likewise, in the times of the Chashmonaim, the midrash teaches that public cries to Hashem were part of the victory over the Greeks. And in the days of the Beis HaMikdash, shofaros were blown and fasting declared during times of drought or national crisis (Mishnah Ta’anis 1:6).
5. In Short: The Difference Is Who Leads It—And How
- A Gedolim-led demonstration is rare, Torah-sanctioned, and spiritually driven
- A radical-led protest is unauthorized, often reckless, and frequently a chilul Hashem
- Charedim do not support every protest—even if it comes from “frum-looking” people
- And we believe that true change comes from Heaven, through tefillah, teshuvah, and Torah—not chaos
Sources and Footnotes
- Mishlei 3:17 — “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.”
- Michtavim U'Maamarim, Vol. 3, Rav E.M.M. Shach zt”l
- Esther 4:16
- Mishnah Ta’anis 1:6
- Rav Aharon Feldman, personal reflections after the 2014 Atzeres Tefillah