"Save the Torah of Eretz Yisroel”"

[Photos below.] Maran Rav Dov Landau, rosh yeshiva of Slabodka, delivered an impassioned appeal Sunday evening to thousands of Yidden gathered in London’s Golders Green neighborhood, calling upon Jews throughout the world to come to the aid of Torah learning in Eretz Yisroel and emphasizing the personal responsibility of every parent to raise children with a deep appreciation for Torah.

Speaking in Yiddish at a large reception held for Keren Olam Torah, Rav Landau urged those assembled to recognize that the preservation of Torah is not merely the responsibility of roshei yeshiva, rabbonim or communal leaders, but an obligation shared by every Jew, regardless of his circumstances.

“Save the Torah of Eretz Yisroel!” the rosh yeshiva declared at the beginning of his address, setting the tone for a message centered on the enduring importance of Torah and the responsibility to ensure its transmission to future generations.

“You must know that the Torah is eternal,” Rav Landau continued, in remarks translated from the Hebrew report of his Yiddish address. “Every individual has the privilege and the obligation to be connected to Torah — through learning Torah, honoring Torah, and living according to Torah.”

The appearance drew a large crowd of local residents who came to hear his words of chizuk at a time when the Torah community in Eretz Yisroel is facing serious financial and political challenges.

In his address, Rav Landau stressed that the relationship between a Jew and the Torah must extend beyond the beis medrash and become the defining principle of everyday life.

He emphasized that Torah must occupy a position of genuine importance in a person’s home, influencing not only his own conduct but also the values and aspirations of his children.

Turning to the responsibility of parents, the rosh yeshiva spoke about the obligation to raise children who are devoted to Torah, yiras Shomayim and good middos.

He explained that children absorb their parents’ priorities and develop their own understanding of what matters most by observing what their fathers genuinely respect and cherish.

When children see that Torah occupies the highest place in their father’s estimation, Rav Landau explained, that appreciation becomes deeply ingrained in their hearts and can remain with them throughout their lives.

His remarks highlighted the importance of creating a home in which Torah learning is not simply encouraged as an activity, but is regarded as the greatest source of honor and accomplishment.

The message carried particular significance for the London audience, whose community has long maintained close ties with the yeshivos and kollelim of Eretz Yisroel.

Rav Landau’s appeal comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to secure financial assistance for Torah institutions in Eretz Yisroel, many of which have faced increasing difficulties amid reductions in government support and the continuing controversy surrounding the military draft of yeshiva students.

The rosh yeshiva’s central message, however, extended beyond the immediate challenges facing the institutions. He emphasized that every Jew can play a role in strengthening the future of Torah, whether through personal learning, supporting those who learn, honoring talmidei chachomim or instilling a love of Torah in the next generation.

Concluding his address, Rav Landau offered a heartfelt tefillah for the continuity of Torah among Klal Yisroel.

“May it be His will that the Torah never depart from our mouths, or from the mouths of our children and our children’s children, forever, and may we merit the complete redemption speedily in our days, amen,” he said.