Members of the Vaad Yeshivos convened on Sunday afternoon, 28 Menachem Av, in the home of HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen, head of the Shas Moetzas Chachmei HaTorah. It is reported the meeting is being held at the behest of Ponevezh Rosh Yeshiva HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein.

It is reported that following efforts and direction by chareidi askanim, working side-by-side with chareidim in Knesset, the guidelines for one to obtain a deferment from IDF service to sit and learn have been set and there are now improvements due to their combined efforts and Siyata Dishmaya. They point that as the leaders of the vaad from previous generations, first and foremost HaGaon HaRav Isser Zalman Melzer ZT”L stated, president of the vaad back then, often, changes representing improvements in arrangements can be achieved.

In a related matter, it is announced that the Vaad Yeshivos has instituted the ‘ממונים’ program in each and every yeshiva. In each yeshiva, the rosh yeshiva will select an individual who will be responsible for each talmid’s status vis-à-vis government institutions, and this person will liaison with the officials in the Vaad Yeshivos to permit maintaining accurate data on each and every talmid/avreich.

Widespread representation of Vaad Yeshivos members are expected to be in attendance Sunday.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)