In the heart of Yerucham, Israel, there lies a white-brick seminary bustling with young men fervently studying the Torah and Talmud. Amidst their daily routine of prayer, these students have added a new supplication. Their voices echo with a heartfelt plea, praying for the safety of their fellow soldiers standing guard against the enemy on the Lebanese border, the sea, the air, and the land.
Tragically, not all soldiers make it back home.
Yeshivat Hesder Yerucham, nestled in the Negev desert, has suffered a devastating loss. Eight of its students have perished in the Israel-Hamas war, with the most recent casualty occurring just last week. The tight-knit community of around 300 students, aged between 19 to their early 20s, grieves over this immense tragedy.
Gilad Palmer, a teacher at the yeshiva, described the collective pain the community endures, saying they have been “going from funeral to funeral.” He highlighted the essence of Judaism, which cherishes life above all. Nevertheless, they understand that sometimes the ultimate sacrifice must be paid for the sake of their people and nation.
Ariel Eliyahu, one of the first students to fall in the war, was a vibrant soul always adorned with a smile. He possessed an unwavering dedication to volunteering within the school but met his untimely end when his tank was targeted by Hamas fighters on October 7. It was the same day that the militant group launched a series of deadly attacks on Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 240 kidnappings.
At Yeshivat Hesder Yerucham, the fact that many students join the military is a source of immense pride. The school reports that approximately 95% of its student body ultimately serve in combat units. While it may initially seem incongruous for a religious institution to value military service, it aligns perfectly with the school’s principles of selflessness and care for others.
However, within the intricate tapestry of religious Israeli society, such high levels of military service are relatively uncommon. The ultra-Orthodox community, known as Haredim, mostly receive legal exemptions and do not serve in the Israel Defense Forces, leading to significant conflict with secular Jews. Out of a population exceeding 1.2 million ultra-Orthodox, only a meager 1,200 have been drafted annually in recent years.
In contrast, Israel’s modern Orthodox community, which includes Yeshivat Hesder Yerucham, displays a greater propensity for military service. Modern Orthodox Jews, dedicated to traditional Jewish law, are more integrated into broader Israeli society and engage directly with the secular world.
When NBC News visited the seminary, a group of students took a break from their studies to warmly welcome a classmate who had temporarily returned while serving in the military. This student, wearing his green IDF uniform with white tzitzit (knotted Jewish tassels) peeking out, was hailed as a hero by his classmates. Among them was Yehuda Corn, whose older brother is currently stationed in the occupied West Bank.
Protecting their families and fulfilling their sense of duty are paramount for these students. Corn shared how he had chosen an empty seat next to Ariel Eliyahu on his first day at the yeshiva. Eliyahu, stationed in a tank near the Gaza Strip on October 7, bravely fought against infiltrating Hamas terrorists until their tank was struck, resulting in his tragic demise. This war has inflicted devastating losses on both sides, with over 500 Israeli soldiers and more than 22,000 people in Gaza losing their lives.
Soon, it will be Corn’s turn to enlist, but the deaths of his fellow students have only strengthened his resolve. He understands the weight of his obligation and responsibility. With a mix of fear and determination, Corn expressed his unwavering commitment to learning and fulfilling his duty, stating, “It’s scary. But it also motivates me to dedicate myself even more and fulfill my responsibility.”
In Mitzpe Yericho, a religious settlement in the occupied West Bank, Achiya, the father of Ariel Eliyahu, a rabbi himself, perceives serving in the Israeli army as a divine commandment. For him, it is an integral part of living a truly religious life, one where adherence to the Torah is not selective but comprehensive.
Looking back on the events of October 7, Idit Eliyahu, Ariel’s mother, recounted the anxiety-filled Sabbath when they were cut off from the world, unable to learn about the magnitude of the terror attacks until evening. Throughout the sleepless night, they anxiously awaited news of their son’s well-being, only to be met with the devastating visit of two soldiers the following day, bearing the tragic news.
Idit firmly believes that, despite the immense pain, she would send her son again if given the chance. Her conviction stems from a deep love for their land and an unwavering sense of duty.
Source link: F5mag.com