Ultra Orthodox Jewish men and their children in New York. Photo: Wiki Commons.

Israel Hayom – Three months after the passing of their spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the Shas Council of Torah Sages gathered for the first time on Wednesday to discuss issues such as the military “enlistment decree,” as it is known among the ultra-Orthodox. The meeting was also attended by Shas Knesset members.

After the meeting, the council released a letter stating: “The council listened with concern to the anti-religious legislation occurring and intensifying over the past few days, particularly with regard to the matter of army enlistment and education of the children of Israel. It is hereby announcing it vehemently opposes any compromise pertaining to the enlistment of Torah students and demands the government immediately normalize their status so they can continue to diligently study the holy Torah, upon which the existence of all of Israel is dependent.”

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