Signed by R. Isser Zalman Meltzer/R. Yisroel Alter (Bais Yisroel)/R. Eliezer Yehuda Finkel/R. Dovid Sperber ...

Signed by R. Isser Zalman Meltzer/R. Yisroel Alter (Bais Yisroel)/R. Eliezer Yehuda Finkel/R. Dovid Sperber (Brashover Rav)/R. Yaakov Henoch Sankovitz (Rosh Yeshivas Sfas Emes)/ R. Akiva Sofer (Da’as Sofer)/R. Dov Beirish Weidenfeld (Tchbeiner Rav)/ R. Yosef Adler (Turda Rav)/ R. Tzvi Kunstlicher.
Signed letter written to the Chief Rabbinate of Israel (Rabbanut), headed by Chief Rabbi Yitzchok Issac Herzog. This letter pertains to the monumental battle against the Sherut Leumi Draft Law. Dated the first of Av, which was at the time of the climax of the conflict, and just one week before the great demonstration held on Tisha B’Av of 1953. The Moetses implored the Rabbonim of the Rabbanut to immediately publicize their prohibition against participation in Sherut Leumi before it gets passed as law in the Knesset.
In the early 1950’s the Israeli government, headed by Ben-Gurion, sought to pass a law forcing all girls who received a religious army deferment, to enlist for two years in Sherut Leumi, (national service in a civil non-military setting). However, the leading Torah authorities of the time, headed by the Chazon Ish, ruled that this was halachicly forbidden, and is included in the category of the three cardinal sins in respect of which one is obliged to sacrifice one’s life rather than to transgress them. The Chazon Ish explained that any custodianship over a girl, other than that of her parents or husband, is considered immoral and is strictly forbidden. The secular government headed by Ben Gurion fought fiercely to enact the law. The conflict which ensued was one of the biggest battles fought by the Charedim in modern Israel. Eventually, the Charedim prevailed and the law was not implemented.
This letter is of utmost historical significance, and is a primary source of the fierce struggle conducted by the legendary Torah leaders of that time. It is also important to note the background to this struggle which is recorded by R. Shlomo Lorencz in his book In Their Shadow. Many of the Rabbonim feared that signing the official public prohibition could lead to imprisonment. Their fear proved justified with the arrest and imprisonment of R. Yisroel Grossman for his involvement in the collection of the signatures for the proclamation of the prohibition. [see In Their Shadow pg. 65-67]. This gives a great distinction to this letter, and tells of the enormous courage of each of the signatories.
22 by 30 cm. Excellent condition.
Opening bid $2000