Dozens of rabbonim, roshei yeshiva, and community leaders from the Sephardic Torah world gathered Thursday night in Bnei Brak for an emergency conference protesting the ongoing draft crisis and the arrests of yeshiva bochurim. The gathering concluded with a dramatic decision to hold a massive public demonstration in the city on Motzoei Shabbos Parshas Balak.

The emergency meeting took place at the Halichos Moshe shul in the Ramat Aharon neighborhood and was hosted by the area’s rov, Rav Shabtai Levi. The event was led by Rav Nissim Ben Shimon and Rav Shlomo Machpud, a member of the Shas Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah.

Organizers said the purpose of the conference was to present a firm and united response from the Sephardic Torah community to what participants described as severe government measures against the Torah world, including the arrests of yeshiva bochurim and avreichim.

Throughout the evening, rabbonim, heads of institutions, and roshei yeshiva addressed the audience, emphasizing the supreme importance of preserving the status and honor of Torah learning. Speakers expressed deep pain over what they described as a sustained and deliberate disrespect toward lomdei Torah and called for unity and a strong public outcry.

The keynote address was delivered by Chacham Nissim Ben Shimon. During his remarks, he quoted the Talmudic teaching, “כל המבזה תלמידי חכמים אין רפואה למכתו” (“Whoever degrades Torah scholars has no cure for his affliction”). He then referred directly to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and said that as early as next week she would feel unwell and come to regret her actions. He concluded by urging the public to strengthen itself spiritually and awaken to the gravity of the moment, declaring: “על כולנו להתחזק וכולנו ביחד להתעורר” (“We must all strengthen ourselves, and all of us together must awaken”).

At the conclusion of the gathering, participants adopted a joint resolution calling for a large public rally in the streets of Bnei Brak on Motzoei Shabbos Parshas Balak. According to organizers, the event is expected to draw rabbonim, roshei yeshiva, roshei kollel, and many of the city’s leading Torah figures.

Organizers said the rally will feature significant public statements and announcements, and may include what they described as “far-reaching steps” that could shape the future public response of the Sephardic Torah community. The stated goal is to bring attention to what participants view as the ongoing “dishonor of Torah.”

Sources involved in the planning said logistical preparations are already underway and that widespread participation is expected from Torah institutions and communities throughout Bnei Brak.

{Matzav.com}