"For the sins of multitudes, folly entered the minds of the few – it is
the work of the Satan. Our salvation is wholly dependent on the Torah.
The Satan instilled in their minds the folly that putting an end to the
yeshivas will rid [Israel] of economic or security problems. Turning the
yeshiva students into enemies, god forbid. They protect us, their Torah
safeguards us all."
Sefardi Chief Rabbi of Israel Shlomo Amar
Drafting Haredim The Work Of Satan, Chief Rabbi Says
Shmarya Rosenberg • FailedMessiah.com
Israel's Sefardi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar reportedly lashed out at the government that pays his salary Saturday night in a speech made in the synagogue of Sefardi haredi leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.
Amar called the government’s decision to draft haredi yeshiva students “the work of Satan,” Ynet reported.
“The study of Torah is enjoying days of glory the likes of which we haven't witnessed for generations. The Satan regarded that with an envious eye and got in into the minds of certain people to [cause them] wage war on the Torah…This nonsense is unheard of. It is as though our society is free of poverty and incest and other ills. Everyone is equal and we're the last outstanding problem, as if Israel has no enemies and is at peace with all. There's only one enemy left, the yeshivas. This is sheer madness,” Amar said.
At this point Rabbi Ovadia Yosef entered the room, and was met with boisterous applause. After Yosef was seated, Amar continued his speech.
"For the sins of multitudes, folly entered the minds of the few – it is the work of the Satan. Our salvation is wholly dependent on the Torah. The Satan instilled in their minds the folly that putting an end to the yeshivas will rid [Israel] of economic or security problems. Turning the yeshiva students into enemies, god forbid. They protect us, their Torah safeguards us all,” Amar reportedly said.