Speaking at a dramatic gathering Monday night in his home in Bnei Brak, Hagaon Rav Dov Landau sharply condemned the recent arrests of yeshiva bochurim and delivered a stark warning to the authorities, declaring that “anyone who is a partner to this terrible crime should know—there is a Creator of the world, there is judgment (yeish din), and there is a Judge (v‘yeish Dayan).”

The remarks were delivered alongside Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch during an event marking the completion of Maseches Negaim by Kollel Taharos. Opening his address, Rav Landau praised the growth of Torah learning, saying, “Boruch Hashem, Torah is increasing among the people of Israel. Those who learn Torah are toiling in every place with depth, effort, and devotion, in all areas of Torah.” Turning to the participants, he added words of encouragement: “You are engaged in the study of Seder Taharos, and with siyata d’Shmaya you are completing a masechta learned with true chavrusah dedication. May Hashem help you continue onward and rise higher in Torah learning.”

Immediately afterward, Rav Landau turned to the issue of the arrests. “Unfortunately, there are those who do not understand the greatness and spiritual power of the Torah, and they even pursue those who learn Torah,” he said. “In recent days, Torah learners have once again been arrested. This shakes the heart of every Jew.” He then issued his pointed warning: “Anyone who is a partner to the terrible crime of restricting those who learn Torah should know—there is a Creator of the world, there is judgment, and there is a Judge.”

Rav Landau expressed deep solidarity with those who have been detained and their families. “We all share in the pain of those who have been imprisoned because of their desire to learn Torah, and in the pain of their families, and we pray with all our hearts that this evil decree will pass like dissipating smoke,” he said. He also alluded to ongoing efforts behind the scenes, noting, “Everyone also knows that actions are being taken now to ensure that such cases do not continue.”

At the same time, Rav Landau cautioned that the current situation is dangerous and issued practical guidance to bochurim and yungeleit who fear arrest. “It is clear that we are now in a difficult state in which Torah learners are being pursued and searched for everywhere,” he warned. “Certainly, bochurim and yungeleit who are at risk of arrest must be careful not to come into contact with the authorities. In times of danger, all paths are considered dangerous, until the situation is resolved, with Hashem’s help, in the near future.”

Rav Landau concluded, “May it be His will that we always rejoice with the Torah without any interference, and that this decree be nullified.”

{Matzav.com}