Rabbi Yaakov Farber, Founder of Haredi IDF Track, Dies at 32

Rabbi Yaakov Aharon Farber, founder of the Maalot Tzur program for Haredi men in technical IDF service, died overnight at 32 after a long illness. Farber, a Belz Hasid from Givat Ze'ev, worked under rabbinic guidance to build tracks that preserved Torah observance. The program offered civilian dress, strict kosher food and Torah study while participants filled technical roles. After October 7, Farber worked with the IDF and Labor Ministry to align military and workforce needs with the religious requirements of Haredi participants.