Nearly 5,000 Sanzer Chassidim, joined by thousands of other participants, gathered Thursday outside the gates of Israel’s Military Prison 10 for a massive rally condemning the imprisonment of bnei Torah who have refused to comply with military draft orders.

The demonstration was organized in response to the incarceration of yeshiva students who remain behind bars after declining to enlist, insisting instead on continuing their Torah learning.

Crowds packed the area outside the prison, reciting Tehillim and pouring out heartfelt prayers while protesting what participants described as the ongoing persecution of the Torah world.

The gathering was led by the Sanzer Rebbe and attended by the rabbonim and dayanim of the Sanzer Chassidus, along with several admorim who came to express solidarity with the imprisoned yeshiva students and offer encouragement to their families.

The Stropkover Rebbe was honored with leading the recitation of Tehillim.

Also in attendance was the Ziditchover Rebbe, whose grandson has been imprisoned in the military jail for several days after refusing military service.

The emotional high point of the rally came when the Sanzer Rebbe rose to address the crowd. Speaking through tears, the Rebbe became visibly overcome with emotion, delivering a powerful address that moved the thousands assembled outside the prison walls.

“The situation that currently exists in our Holy Land is beyond comprehension,” the Rebbe cried in a trembling voice. “For many years there has been nothing like this, where bnei Torah—those who protect the entire generation through their Torah learning—are persecuted in such a cruel and criminal manner. How have we reached a point where precious young men are sent behind bars simply because they wish to devote themselves to Torah study?!”

{Matzav.com}