In a recording published by journalist Yakov Hershkovitz, the Vizhnitz Rebbe is heard telling followers that avoiding IDF enlistment is a matter of 'mesirut nefesh' (self-sacrifice) and that they must do everything to stay out. The recording channels a long-standing confrontation between parts of the ultra-Orthodox community and mandatory service, but the explicit call to refuse en masse is a sharp escalation in the public Haredi anti-draft campaign.
A recording released Saturday evening by journalist Yakov Hershkovitz captures the Vizhnitz Rebbe — one of the most influential figures in the Hasidic world — instructing his followers not to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces 'under any circumstances.' The Rebbe is heard describing non-enlistment as a matter of mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) and stating that one 'must do everything' to avoid compulsory service.
The recording appears to be the most direct and public call for mass refusal to serve from a senior Haredi leader in recent years. It comes amid a broader campaign by hardline Haredi factions against the government's moves to draft ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, which has already led to mass protests and threats from coalition partners. The Vizhnitz dynasty commands a large following, and the Rebbe's explicit language may further galvanize anti-draft sentiment within the community.
As of Saturday night, no official response has been issued by the IDF or the Defense Ministry. The recording has not been independently verified by The Zioneer, but Hershkovitz is a known journalist covering Haredi affairs. The full context of the recording — when and where it was made — remains unclear.
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Source and signal
- Internal intake