The Vaad Yeshivos has released a letter to roshei yeshivos to warn talmidim against askanim busying themselves with ‘gezeiras giyus’ (induction), those who are outside IDF induction centers and try to persuade talmidim not to report to fill out forms as bnei Torah have been doing for so long, in line with the instructions of Gedolei Torah Shlita. One adhering to the words of these ‘askanim’ will find oneself losing one’s status as a ben torah recognized and funded by the State of Israel and will automatically be categorized as eligible for immediate induction and they may find themselves in the custody of military police.

In the letter, Vaad Yeshivos rabbonim explain they have learned that persons affiliated with the Peleg stand outside induction centers and when they spot a ben Torah going to report and fill out forms to declare himself a yeshiva student, to persuade him to refrain from doing so. Should a talmid adhere to such instructions, he will end his status as being deferred from military service and funded as a ben yeshiva and will automatically become draft eligible and arrested if he fails to report for service as is the case with Peleg talmidei yeshiva.

The Vaad Yeshivos has learned the Peleg activists have stepped up their activities and now have such ‘askanim’ outside induction centers.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)