Am Yisrael in Israel and throughout the Diaspora stands united in tefilos for the release of the captive youths, taken hostage on Thursday the eve of 15 Sivan by Hamas terrorists. A week has passed and despite herculean efforts by the IDF and other security agencies, the location of the hostages remains a mystery.

During the course of the week a number of gedolei yisrael have spoken out calling for increased limudim, tefilos and adherence to mitzvos.

Maran HaGaon HaRav Aaron Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita spoke of the need for increased shmiras Shabbos and many rabbonim are calling on the tzibur to accept Shabbos early in the merit of the young bnei yeshiva who are being held captive.

HaGaon HaRav Yitzchok Zilberstein Shlita, rav of Ramat Elchanan in Bnei Brak and a son-in-law of Maran HaGaon HaRav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv ZT”L has sent a letter of chizuk to each of the three families; Frenkel, Yifrach and Shaar. It is reported the letter was received with a measure of gratitude and appreciation.

The rav calls on the families to be mechazeik in their emunah and bitachon in light of the tragic events.

Talmidim of the rav add the rav plans to request from the families to make an appeal to Am Yisrael to increase adherence to shmiras Shabbos. The rav says everything must to done to bring more Jews towards adherence to Shabbos.

The rav concludes,

“זו הזכות הגדולה ביותר שבוודאי תעמוד לשלושת הבחורים ותסייע להם לצאת מן המצר, משעבוד לגאולה”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)