'We do whatever they say': Yeshiva students defer to rabbis over response to IDF draft enforcement

Yeshiva students attending a massive United Torah Judaism election rally in Bnei Brak expressed that their actions regarding the Israeli draft would be guided by their rabbis' instructions, not their personal preferences. The rally, which occurred two days before Israel's election, attracted tens of thousands of haredi Jews who advocated for military conscription, a contentious issue among the ultra-Orthodox community but broadly supported among Jewish Israelis.

Rabbi Dov Landau, a prominent haredi rabbinic figure, urged attendees to defend Torah study, asserting that yeshiva students and scholars were facing unprecedented persecution.

When questioned about their potential response to draft enforcement, the students consistently referenced their commitment to their rabbis. Reuven, a student at the rally, stated that he would leave Israel if his rabbi instructed him to do so. Dovid echoed this sentiment, saying he and others would "go through fire and water" for their rabbis.

Shmuel emphasized that Torah study was his top priority, adding that he would leave Israel if staying meant he could no longer pursue his studies. Chaim agreed with the rabbinic authority but believed that those who continued Torah study should "fight it" if the government enforced the draft.

Despite their unanimous commitment to following their rabbis, the students displayed varied opinions on military service. Avi, another student, expressed his desire to remain in Israel, noting that he would comply with his rabbi's directive to leave if necessary. The students' differing perspectives on military service highlighted the complex relationship between their devotion to religious teachings and their personal desires.

Even amidst broad agreement on deferring to rabbinic authority, the students appeared to hold diverse views on the practical implications of draft enforcement.