Fears of an unprecedented wave of arrests on the way home: Since the beginning of time, throughout the days of the Omer, yeshiva students have been in yeshiva continuously - the Sabbath after Shavuot is accepted throughout the yeshiva world as a 'free Sabbath', after which yeshiva students travel home.
Ahead of this Shabbat, yeshiva heads and rabbis express deep concern, after in recent days there has been a real worsening in the persecution of yeshiva students, through various tricks.
The Birkat Ephraim yeshiva information line broadcast an unusual recording this evening from the supervisor, Rabbi Bezalel Hinman, in which he calls on the yeshiva students to beware of police officers, even in civilian clothing.
""Hello dear yeshiva students. We have a somewhat urgent announcement. We have heard a rumor that there are police officers who are trying in various ways, even in non-police attire, to arrest yeshiva students.
""Now there is a holiday Shabbat, and some are going home, we ask everyone, Everyone should be careful and not take risks, and think about the mental anguish they will have, instead of coming home to a free Sabbath, to sit for ten days, or six months, or a month, depending on what they decide. It's a terrible and unpleasant feeling.
""Be smart and don't go anywhere you see police. It's better to miss a bus than to go to a place where there appears to be a police ambush. Be careful.".
""We, the yeshiva, the yeshiva rabbis, the yeshiva students, are all concerned. Please be careful and take care of yourselves. The damage that can occur, both physical and spiritual, from sitting in prison, the mental anguish is unimaginable and indescribable. Take care of yourselves.".
""With the blessing of 'And the lines of God will replace strength,' may we be blessed to see everyone healthy, happy, and at peace with us next week. And good luck to everyone, Shabbat Shalom."'
