U.S. Donors Draw Battle Lines: No Money for Haredi Yeshivas That Criticize the IDF

The ultra-Orthodox world in America is reeling after a group of prominent donors announced they're establishing a "Coalition for Torah Study and Security" and will no longer support Israeli religious institutions that publicly criticize the Israel Defense Forces.

The initiative, signed by numerous wealthy donors, community leaders, and senior activists, strikes at Torah scholars in Israel who are already facing dire financial straits following massive cuts to yeshiva and kollel budgets amid the military draft controversy. In recent years, leading rabbis have been forced to travel abroad personally to raise funds for seminaries, and now American donors are organizing against them.

Not all wealthy benefactors support the move, and many well-known philanthropists will continue supporting Torah students. But the emerging campaign illustrates the precarious position of the Torah world, now facing opposition from within its own ranks.

The Coalition's Declaration

The organization managing the controversial campaign wrote:

"The Jewish nation is under sustained attack from enemies of God and His Torah, who find common purpose in harming the people of Israel. The assault on Jews has become global. Intimidation and violence now occur in the streets of Europe and North America, and other parts of the world, culminating recently in the horrific massacre at Bondi Beach, Australia. The enemies of the Jewish people are becoming louder and stronger by the day, and the illusion that any country is a safe haven for Jews is rapidly collapsing.

Israel's security has become a personal and critical matter. Developments around the world indicate that our people's future is increasingly tied to the Land of Israel, and that Jewish security throughout the diaspora depends on the strength of the Jewish state and its unique ability to deter and respond to threats beyond its borders.

In these dangerous times, we feel obligated, as servants of God and lovers of His Torah, to stand as one and support our united interests. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) bears responsibility for the physical defense of the Jewish people in the State of Israel. We support them and pray for their success, together with the broader security and intelligence apparatus that helps protect all Jewish life."

The Policy: No Money for IDF Critics

The organization stated: "Therefore, we state our position. We remain absolutely committed to supporting Torah, yeshivas, kollelim, and Torah scholars, the lifeblood of our holy nation. And because of this commitment to a Torah of life, we cannot in good conscience support institutions whose public stance harms those responsible for defending Jewish lives. Accordingly, we will provide financial support only to Torah institutions that do not speak publicly against or harm the IDF, which bears the burden of defending Jewish life. This policy will remain in effect until such positions are reconsidered in a manner consistent with protecting Jewish lives."

The organization also emphasized that it's not taking sides on the draft issue: "This position does not take a stance in the current debate regarding the draft law. It relates only to the propriety of public opposition to the IDF during its defense of Jewish lives. We declare this position in unity and responsibility, confident that our people's strength lies in uniting Torah, security, and mutual commitment. Through unity, may we merit complete redemption soon."

The formation of this donor coalition represents not just a financial threat but a public rebuke from traditionally supportive American benefactors, suggesting deepening rifts within the ultra-Orthodox world over Israel's security situation and military service debates.