An atmosphere of tension and anxiety has spread throughout the yeshiva world ahead of the first Shabbos following Shavuos, traditionally an “Off Shabbos,” when yeshiva bochurim return home after remaining in yeshiva continuously throughout the zeman.

Roshei yeshiva and rabbonim are expressing deep concern following reports that Israeli police have intensified efforts in recent days against yeshiva bochurim, allegedly using various tactics — including undercover officers dressed in civilian clothing — to carry out arrests.

An unusual and urgent recorded message from the mashgiach of Yeshivas Birkas Efraim, Rav Betzalel Heineman, was released Thursday evening on the yeshiva’s information hotline, warning talmidim to exercise extreme caution while traveling home for Shabbos.

“Hello to the dear בני הישיבה. We have a somewhat urgent message. We have heard reports that there are police officers attempting in various ways, including while dressed in civilian clothing, to arrest yeshiva bochurim.”

Rav Heineman urged students not to take chances and warned them to think carefully before entering areas where police may be present.

“Now there is an Off Shabbos, and there are those traveling home. We ask everyone to be careful and not take risks. A person should think about the anguish he could suffer if, instead of arriving home for Off Shabbos, he ends up sitting for ten days, half a month, or a month, depending on what they decide. It is a terrible and unpleasant feeling.”

The mashgiach strongly advised talmidim to avoid any place where police activity is visible, even if it means missing a bus or delaying their trip home.

“Be wise and do not enter any place where you see police. It is better to miss a bus than to walk into a place that appears to be a police ambush. Be careful.”

Rav Heineman said the entire yeshiva leadership is deeply worried about the situation and emphasized the potentially devastating physical and spiritual consequences of imprisonment.

“We in the yeshiva — the rabbonim, the talmidim, everyone — are worried. We ask you to be careful and protect yourselves. The damage that can result, both physically and spiritually, from sitting in prison — the anguish is beyond measure and beyond description. Guard yourselves.”

He concluded with a bracha that all the bochurim return safely and in good spirits following Shabbos.

“With the blessing of ‘וקווי ה’ יחליפו כוח,’ may we merit to see everyone healthy, happy, and whole with us next week. Much success to everyone, and Shabbos שלום.”