Lawyer for Haredi Ichud Hayeshivot Rejects Supervision That Students Not
Serving In IDF Actually Studying
Dr. Aaron Lerner 38 March, 2024

There have been a series of reports documenting how people avoid IDF service
by signing up to study in a yeshiva in an arrangement that they not only do
not actually study but even receive a kick-back of half of the money which
the government pays the yeshiva.

I reached out to Adv. Shmuel Horowitz, who represents the Haredi Ichud
Hayeshivot in their fillings with the Supreme Court.

In their filing, Ichus Hayeshivot wrote "in the choice between supporting
funds and remaining in the tent and world of Torah - the Haredi community
without a doubt chooses Torah study. In other words, in the instance that
there is a budget freeze, the Haredi public will continue to learn Torah as
it has done until today.."

I asked Adv. Shmuel Horowitz if Ichud Hayeshivot would agree that there is
biometric supervision that those not serving in the IDF are in fact studying
Torah.

Adv. Shmuel Horowitz replied (translation from Hebrew): "No. As long as
such supervision is only done on criminals there is no reason that it should
be for those learning Torah. Those studying in Hesder Yeshivot and those
learning in Mechinot get deferrals on service in accordance with their
obligation to be present (AL: at studies) - they do not have biometric
supervision... And I answer this without even asking the association."
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