A group of over 100 Haredi donors in the U.S., going by the name Talmud Torah and Security Coalition, has announced a commitment to fund only those institutions that back the Israel Defense Forces, as highlighted by Jewish Philanthropy and other Haredi news sources.
The signatories clarified that their stance doesn’t engage with the ongoing debate surrounding military conscription—referring to a June 2024 ruling by Israel’s Supreme Court mandating military service for Haredi men, which has led to some protests.
Instead, the group focuses on the legitimacy of opposing the IDF as it works to protect Jewish lives. They emphasized, “the future of our people is increasingly tied to Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel,” remarking on recent anti-Semitic incidents, like those at Bondi Beach in Australia.
According to the coalition, the security of Jews in the diaspora is closely linked to the strength of the Jewish state, which they believe has a unique capability to counter threats beyond its borders.
In their view, “The Israel Defense Forces are responsible for the physical protection of Jews in Israel.” They further noted, “We cannot in good conscience support an organization that undermines the public stance of those tasked with protecting Jewish lives.”
The coalition’s declaration clearly states that they will only offer financial backing to Torah institutions that refrain from publicly opposing, protesting, or delegitimizing the IDF. This policy, they insist, will remain until these positions are reassessed in alignment with the defense of Jewish life.
Interestingly, Yeshiva World News indicated that there were claims from some individuals about being included on the list without their consent.
