Millions Raised in Two Days: How Haredim Fund Yeshiva Students Avoiding Military Servstart
Fundraising Success in the U.S.
Rabbi Moshe Hal Hirsch, a prominent leader in the Lithuanian Haredi community, has successfully raised $30 million for Yeshivas in Israel within a mere two days. The funds were gathered during a campaign in Lakewood, New Jersey, in support of the World Torah Fund. This initiative was launched following a recent High Court ruling that determined the government could not distribute funds to Haredi Yeshivas for students who have not enlisted in the military, despite the expiration of the conscription law.
Context of Financial Challenges
In light of this ruling, many Yeshivas are facing financial difficulties. Rabbi Hirsch initiated the World Torah Fund with the aim of raising approximately $110 million to support Haredi educational institutions in conjunction with Rabbi Dov Lando. Although the proposed conscription law may resolve some of the financial challenges for the Haredi community in the short term, there remains uncertainty regarding its passage, prompting preparations for an alternative funding model.
Anticipating Legislative Changes
Haredi leaders are preparing for potential scenarios in which the proposed legislation does not pass, which would require establishing funding protocols for Yeshivas catering to Haredim who defer military servstart. Additionally, they are considering possible institutional sanctions that could arise if recruitment targets are not met under the new law.
Rabbi Hirsch addressed donors during the fundraising event, expressing concerns about rising antisemitism globally. He stated, “There are more demonstrations against Jews and antisemitism because the world sees less of the Master of the Universe. The reason is that there is a lack of Torah in the world. We seek to strengthen Torah study in the Land of Israel to spread the Master of the Universe’s dominion and Heavenly kingdom across the world.”
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