HaGaon Rav Dov Landau delivered a powerful and emotional address in which he spoke forcefully about the mounting pressures facing the Torah world, lamenting what he described as the ongoing persecution of Torah and its learners and calling upon Jews around the world to strengthen their support of yeshivos and kollelim.

The rosh yeshiva addressed a special gathering attended by hundreds of rabbonim, roshei yeshiva, and admorim from across the Torah spectrum. The event was convened in response to the growing challenges confronting bnei Torah in Eretz Yisroel.

In particularly sharp remarks, Rav Landau condemned those responsible for the current policies targeting the Torah community.

“Throughout the generations, the Jewish people—and especially those who learn Torah—have endured cruel persecution and devastating decrees. Yet Torah is eternal. Torah and its learners have always remained strong, even in circumstances that defied the natural order, because Torah is truth and Torah endures forever.

“But you—how are you not ashamed? You are Jews descended from Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov, yet you wage war against Torah and those who learn it in Eretz Yisroel. If your fathers and grandfathers, who stood steadfast against those who persecuted the Jewish people throughout the generations, could rise from their graves, what would they say to you? They would cry out: Be ashamed. You are continuing the path of those who persecuted Torah. Be ashamed. Your path will not succeed.”

The following is the full text of Rav Landau’s address as translated and transcribed by Matzav.com:

“With the permission of the assembled rabbonim and Torah leaders.

“We find ourselves in a very difficult situation. Anyone who possesses even the slightest connection to Torah can feel it wherever he may be. Torah and those who dedicate their lives to it have become targets of attack and contempt.

“For several years already, Torah and its learners have been pursued in a disgraceful manner. The situation continues to worsen, and no one knows how far it may go.

“The decrees being imposed against Torah have become unbearable. They affect many areas of life, both spiritual and material. Yet Hakadosh Boruch Hu remains faithful to His covenant and His promise that He will never abandon His people.

“At the same time, we stand in awe of the extraordinary strength displayed by those who learn Torah. Despite every challenge, bnei yeshiva and avreichei kollel continue to immerse themselves in Torah learning. Not only have they remained steadfast, but we continue to witness the growth of Torah institutions, the increase of Torah learners, and countless Jews drawing closer to Torah and its scholars.

“All bnei Torah, whether in Eretz Yisroel or abroad, share deeply in the pain of the avreich who struggles under the weight of financial sanctions and economic pressures that disturb his peace of mind day after day. New restrictions continue to emerge, creating a sense that, according to the natural order, he may not be able to provide for his family.

“We pour out our hearts before the Ribbono Shel Olam, the Giver of the Torah, pleading for mercy upon His Torah learners.

“Our hearts bleed and our eyes shed tears over the tremendous anxiety experienced by avreichei kollel, yeshiva bochurim, and their families because of the fear of arrests, the threat of conscription, and the burden of these decrees. We feel the pain of their families. We see before us the worry and tears of the wife of an avreich and the mother of a yeshiva bochur, fearful every time her husband or son leaves home lest he, chas v’shalom, be seized.

“We have complete faith in the Creator’s promise that Torah will never depart from the Jewish people. Nevertheless, the fear and pain being experienced are very real and very deep.

“With Siyata D’Shmaya, generous and righteous benefactors from the United States and throughout the Jewish world have stepped forward. For more than two years, they have undertaken the responsibility of replacing the funds that yeshivos and kollelim have lost as a result of these decrees. There is no doubt that bnei Torah feel tremendous gratitude toward these supporters, and their assistance enables Torah learners to continue devoting themselves to Torah despite the difficulties.

“We are now preparing to travel once again to the United States together with other gedolei Torah in order to appeal to the open hearts of those who care about the plight of the Torah world in Eretz Yisroel. These donors are asked and they give; they are asked again and they give again; and now they are being asked a third time and continue to respond. They even encourage others to join them in supporting Keren Olam HaTorah.

“There is nothing more inspiring than this. Through their generosity, the Name of Heaven is sanctified. Their efforts on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah are extraordinary. It is not easy, but they understand that this is their responsibility, their privilege, and their obligation.

“Fortunate are the supporters of Keren Olam HaTorah. Fortunate are those who sustain and uphold the Torah world in Eretz Yisroel. Through your steadfast support, you not only strengthen Torah learners materially, but also lift their spirits and encourage them in the face of every challenge. There is no limit to the reward awaiting you in this world and in the next.

“From here we call upon the Jews of the United States and Jews throughout the world: Participate with all your strength on behalf of Keren Olam HaTorah. Even those who cannot contribute large sums should undertake to support at least one avreich. Every person should give according to his ability—and beyond his ability.

“And to those who persecute Torah we say: The Jewish people, and especially those who learn Torah, have endured cruel persecution throughout history. Terrible decrees have been enacted against them. Yet Torah is eternal. Torah and its learners have always remained strong because Torah is truth and Torah will endure forever.

“But you—how are you not ashamed? You are Jews descended from Avrohom, Yitzchok, and Yaakov, yet you fight against Torah and those who learn it in Eretz Yisroel. If your fathers and grandfathers, who stood courageously against the enemies of the Jewish people throughout the generations, could rise from their graves, what would they say to you? They would cry out: Be ashamed. You are continuing the path of those who persecuted Torah. Be ashamed. Your path will not succeed.

“The people of Torah will continue learning Torah. Jewish communities throughout the world will continue to burn with the fire of Torah. May we merit the final redemption speedily in our days. Amein.”