Thousands of Gerer chassidim are expected to gather outside Military Prison 10 for a prayer service and protest following the arrest of a bochur from Yeshivas Sefas Emes. The Gerer Rebbe will lead the demonstration, with organizers repeatedly calling for participants to remain peaceful and avoid confrontation.
The rally responds to the imprisonment of Yisroel Reuven Fine, who was incarcerated after appearing at the military draft office on three consecutive days to regularize his status.
The gathering begins at 9:30 p.m. With Maariv, led by Gerer askan Motty Babchik, who is observing the year of mourning following his father's death. Rav Meir Flakser, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Chiddushei HaRim, will address the crowd afterward.
Reb Itche Meir Tauman, administrator of the Gerer bais medrash, sent a recorded message urging participation. "With the help of Siyata DiShmaya, the tzibbur of those who fear the word of Hashem are called to an atzeres tefillah and outcry tomorrow, Monday, Parshas Va'eschanan, at 9:30 p.m. near Prison 10, to protest the humiliation of the Torah and the desecration of Kavod Shomayim," He said.
He stressed maintaining order: "It is חובה to obey the instructions of the marshals and under no circumstances to resort to violence. The adults should keep watch over the younger participants. We have promised that we will not enter the courtyards of private homes or damage city property. After the rally, everyone should disperse quietly. Please bring Tehillim and water."
The organizing committee characterized the gathering as "the cry of an entire community" Over yeshiva students imprisoned for seeking to study Torah.
Fine's arrest followed an unusual sequence. His original draft appointment was last Monday at the Haifa office, but he mistakenly went to Jerusalem. Redirected to Haifa, he arrived after closing and was told to return Tuesday. On Tuesday, his processing remained incomplete and he was instructed to return Wednesday. On his third appearance, officials classified him as a draft evader because two days had elapsed since his original reporting date. He was arrested and sentenced to 20 days in military prison.
During a Sunday meeting between the Gerer Rebbe and Eidah HaChareidis askan Shimon Shisha, they discussed expanding the campaign against arrests of yeshiva students. The Rebbe conveyed to military officials: "We are going to war without gloves."
Future protest targets under consideration include the Meitav induction unit and draft offices nationwide. Tonight's gathering will be Ger's second major protest outside Prison 10 in approximately one month. A previous Sanzer chassidim protest at the same location resulted in the release of one detainee while another remained incarcerated.