From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
‘No contradiction between Torah and army service,’ says bereaved father at rally for enlistment
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleRossella Tercatin is The Times of Israel's archaeology and religions reporter.
“There is no contradiction between Torah and army service,” bereaved father Hagay Lober says in an emotional speech at a rally demanding universal enlistment in the IDF, calling for all citizens to share the burden of military service.
The initiative is promoted by bereaved families and leading reservist organizations, including El HaDegel, the Forum of Reservist Wives, Shotafut LeSherut, and the Religious Zionist Forum of Reservists.
Lober’s son reserve Staff Sergeant Elisha Yehonatan Lober was killed during fighting in Gaza in December 2023.
“Look at the picture of my son,” he said, holding the photograph high as he spoke. “He has a beard. He has peyot. He was a man of Torah.”
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