Other

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

Published

Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of Rabbi Yaakov Farber speaking at a podium during a Maalot Tzur ceremony with uniformed participants and Israeli flags behind him

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.

Sources

Secondary sources:123

Related stories

  1. Anti-Draft Protesters Rally Outside Ma’alot Tzur Official’s Home
  2. Three Haredi Soldiers Attacked at Jerusalem Anti-Draft March
  3. IDF Chief Calls Haredi Brigade Essential, Cites Rise in Enlistment
  4. Rabbi Dov Lando Says His Recorded Remarks Were Distorted
  5. Netanyahu Rejects Rabbi Landau's Remarks Against Religious Zionist Soldiers

Something went wrong

We couldn't complete that action. Check your connection and try again.