In a rare and forceful statement, Rav Yehoshua Eichenstein, rosh yeshiva of Yad Aharon and nosi of the Ezram UMaginam organization, issued a severe warning regarding the recent escalation in the Israeli government’s enforcement of the draft law targeting bnei yeshivos.
Rav Eichenstein said: “In light of the worsening situation, as the authorities attempt to enforce the draft with increasing intensity — people must know that as an organization, Ezram UMaginam is standing behind every bochur. We will act by any means necessary to ensure that bochurim can continue learning in peace.”
He emphasized the backing of the Torah leadership behind the resistance efforts: “We will mobilize in every possible way. The gedolei Yisroel are behind this and view the situation with the utmost seriousness. It is dangerous. The authorities must understand: they are playing with fire. We will not remain silent in the face of such a grave threat. We must dedicate ourselves to this fight. Im yirtzeh Hashem, may we merit to stand with mesirus nefesh, and may HaKadosh Baruch Hu help to nullify this decree.”
The Ezram UMaginam organization, which advocates for bnei yeshivos and provides draft-related assistance, is reporting a sharp rise in emergency calls. In just four months of operation, over 12,000 inquiries have been received. The distress spans across the litvish, chassidish, and Sefardic communities, painting a troubling picture of confusion and helplessness.
According to staff members, some callers reached out following arrest and urgently need legal support. Others are trying to clarify their army status, whether they are permitted to travel abroad, or whether the draft orders they received require compliance — and what consequences they may face if they don’t report.
A particularly troubling trend, they note, is the emotional isolation many of these bochurim express. “We don’t know what’s allowed or forbidden,” one bochur said over the phone. “No one is taking responsibility for us.”
This widespread feeling of confusion and abandonment, the organization warns, is at the heart of the crisis facing countless bnei yeshiva, many of whom feel they are navigating this legal minefield alone and without clear guidance.
According to the group’s data, the month ended with roughly 24,000 draft notices issued to yeshiva students — a number that does not include 16- to 18-year-olds or students in yeshiva tichonit. Estimates suggest that some 40,000 bochurim currently face problematic legal status with the army.
In response to the growing crisis, Ezram UMaginam is working to implement a structured response plan within the yeshivos, including clear protocols, staff training, education for the bochurim, and rapid personal support for urgent cases. Simultaneously, they are expanding their legal team and support network.
{Matzav.com Israel}