Rabbi who founded program for Haredi enlistment dies at 32

A young rabbi who was a leading advocate for ultra-Orthodox enlistment in the IDF has died.

Rabbi Yaakov Farber, 32, passed away due to an unspecified illness. His condition suddenly deteriorated during a planned medical procedure.

Some two years ago, Farber, a member of the Belz Hasidic sect, founded the Ma’alot Tzur program, intended to encourage Haredi enlistment and which included vocational training in technology, electricity, construction and more, to help participants find employment after their service.

הלך לעולמו בגיל 32 הרב יעקב פרבר שהוביל בשנים האחרונות את מסלול "מעלות צור" המשלב חרדים בצה"ל. הוא נפטר לאחר שמצבו הידרדר במהלך טיפול רפואי מתוכנן, הוא הותיר אחריו אישה וחמישה ילדים @daniel_grovais pic.twitter.com/f5MROvscVz

— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) July 26, 2026

The program sought to accommodate the specific needs of the Haredi population during their service, and according to Kan news, had seen some 500 men drafted since its inception.

Farber’s activism was unpopular among some segments of the ultra-Orthodox population vehemently opposed to enlistment, leading to several protests outside his home.

He leaves behind a wife and six children.