Following a meeting of the Degel HaTorah Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael, a letter is being sent to kehillos around Eretz Yisrael, Litvish and Chassidish alike, instructing roshei yeshiva to instruct talmidim that if they are called to an IDF induction center not to sign on any documents.

The letter, signed by Degel Secretary Rav Rubinstein, calls on roshei yeshiva to instruct talmidim exactly how to act and not to leave them in a quandary. The letter is accompanied by sample form, an example of the form talmidim are likely to receive, in the hope of removing any doubt as what is permitted and what should not be signed. Gedolei Yisrael have stated one may give one’s personal information but no more.

Ladaat.net reports that officials from chassidish yeshivos indicated surprise upon receiving the Degel letter, adding they are not bound by the party’s Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael and it is possible they will instruct talmidim not to report at all, not even to address forms or a medical since this would also advance the induction process.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)