[Video below.] Maran Rav Dov Landau publicly declared Thursday night that street protests are not the proper path in response to the gezeiras hagiyus and the arrests of bnei yeshivah.

Rav Landau’s statement has stirred considerable discussion, coming only days after the large vehicle convoy protest that took place on highways throughout Eretz Yisroel.

The remarks were delivered during a gathering at Rav Landau’s home in Bnei Brak attended by dozens of roshei yeshivah from across the country.

The meeting had originally been convened to review the recent historic Keren Olam HaTorah fundraising mission to the United States, during which leading gedolei Torah sought support to help offset government cuts to yeshivah funding. During the gathering, however, Rav Landau shifted the focus to the growing trend of public demonstrations.

Referring to the recent protests, Rav Landau told the assembled roshei yeshivah, “All kinds of other protests that we did not hear about from our rabbeim in previous generations are not our way.”

He continued by expressing concern over the effect such demonstrations can have on the image of the chareidi community.

“Very often these protests cause serious damage to the chareidi public’s image. We must remember that the most important thing is dedication, toil, and immersion in Torah study. That is the greatest sanctification of Hashem’s Name, and there is no doubt that strengthening Torah study within the botei medrash is what will help counter these decrees and difficulties.”

Rav Landau also spoke about his recent trip to the United States and the ongoing dispute over government funding for yeshivos. He emphasized that Eretz Yisroel has become the world’s central hub of Torah learning and serves as the spiritual heartbeat of the entire Jewish world.

According to Rav Landau, supporters overseas recognize that any weakening of Torah learning in Eretz Yisroel would have consequences for Klal Yisroel worldwide. He said that this understanding has led philanthropists to generously support bnei Torah.

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{Matzav.com}