Concern is growing at Yeshivas Banecha Shavim in Gilo after one of its talmidim was arrested earlier this week by the Military Police and sentenced to 20 days in a military prison. Speaking with Nati Kalish on Kol Chai’s News Anash program, Rosh Yeshiva Rav Yehuda Menachem recounted the details of the arrest, the family’s distress, and his concerns about the pressure the bochur may face in custody.

According to Rav Menachem, the day began routinely, but when the bochur failed to show up for learning, it became clear that he had been taken during the night.

“At 3:30 in the morning they came to the house, loud banging on the door. They are simple people, they were frightened, they opened — and they simply took him,” he said. He added that the bochur was cut off from any communication for an entire day: “He was only given the right to call today. The parents didn’t know where he was”.

Rav Menachem described the bochur as a gentle, quiet, and well-liked young man. “An intelligent student, loves Torah, doesn’t harm anyone,” he said. He explained that the family is unfamiliar with legal and military systems, and that the yeshiva has taken on the responsibility of helping them navigate the situation. “We are their only help. Even the connection to the lawyer is being handled by us.”

In response to the situation, the yeshiva has begun organized tefillos for his release. “We distributed tefillah sheets, asking for a close salvation,” Rav Menachem said. At the same time, he expressed serious concern about the emotional strain on the bochur. “We are afraid he will break. He is delicate, sensitive, not equipped to deal with this pressure machine”.

Concluding the interview, Rav Menachem stressed that the yeshiva will continue supporting both the bochur and his family until he is released. “It pains us very much. We hope to hear good news.”

{Matzav.com}