Rabbi Yinon Ilani serves as the Rosh Yeshiva in Arad, and the head of the Torani nucleus in the city. Since arriving in the city, he has been the catalyst for many changes that have taken place. In a special interview to the "Eretz Yisroel Shelanu" publication, Rabbi Ilani tells about the yeshiva that has made the headlines in the past year, since Rabbi Ilani′s decision to "disengage" from the hesder agreement.
"On one hand, our yeshiva′s aim is to raise a generation of Talmidei Chachomim, and on the other hand, to be in touch with Am Yisroel. Returnees to Judaism come to us, and we learn together, as partners. This is very beneficial to both sides. We are in contact with all the Jews in Arad, personal affiliation notwithstanding.
"I arrived in Arad a decade ago, in order to set up a Torani nucleus. We found that there was still much to be accomplished in the city.
"We were in very close contact with Rabbi Bentzion Lipsker, ob"m, the Rabbi of Arad, who passed away last year. A few weeks ago we merited a surprise visit from Rabbi Dov Lior, who came to Arad especially to strengthen us and the entire city."
One half a year ago, Rabbi Ilani made headlines when he announced his "disengagement" from the Hesder agreement. He took this step after the Yeshiva in Har Bracha affaire. Rabbi Eliezer Melamed is the head of the yeshiva at Har Bracha. Rabbi Ilani has no regrets.
"I have no desire to belong to a framework where I am not free to express the Halachic stance, and the Defense Minister is the one who has the final word. I am not interested in being subject to threats. I can say that we received total support and backing, and we feel the blessing in taking that step.
"I congratulate Rabbi Melamed- who announced his final decision this week to disengage from the hesder arrangement, and establish a higher institute for Torah study. As disciples of Rabbi Shapiro, z"l, we learned that it is absolutely forbidden to comply with orders to expel Jews or uproot settlements. It is likewise forbidden to listen to any order that includes committing a sin. Fortunate are we who have merited educating our students in this spirit."
One of Rabbi Ilani′s most famous students is Chananel Dayan. Chananel rose to fame when he refused to shake the disengagement Chief of Staff Dan Chalutz′s hand. His act sent shockwaves throughout the Israeli media. "Chananel consulted me before he did this. He was uncertain as to how he should act. I said that if I were in his place, I would not shake Dan Chalutz′s hand; however, the final decision is up to him.
"I was very happy to see that he did the proper thing, and he caused a great Kiddush Hashem. Many Jews learned a thing or two about standing up for principles from him."
During the Gush Katif expulsion, the Arad yeshiva students, headed by Rabbi Ilani, spearheaded the struggle. The entire yeshiva, including Rabbi Ilani, was remanded, because they blocked roads. "Today we can state that only those connected to the Torah can fight for Eretz Yisroel. The only way we can endure and carry on the path that our Rabbis set for us, is through the Torah." |
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