In the wake of the devastating missile strike early Monday morning that claimed the life of 75-year-old Avraham Cohen near a local school in Bnei Brak, leading rabbonim have issued a firm warning to the public: do not rely on rumors or assumed segulos of protection. Adherence to the life-saving instructions of Pikud HaOref (Israel’s Home Front Command), they emphasized, is an absolute obligation that supersedes all speculation.
The missile, fired from Iran, directly struck a populated area in the city, leaving behind visible destruction and communal shock. In response, rabbonim have publicly addressed a growing trend among some residents who believe that the large presence of Torah learning and gedolei Torah in Bnei Brak grants the city supernatural protection. While acknowledging the spiritual merits of Torah and tzidkus, the rabbonim clarified that these beliefs must not be allowed to breed complacency or disregard for practical safety measures.
Veteran media personality Yisroel Cohen dedicated a large portion of his Kol Berama radio  today show to this issue. “I’ll be honest,” he said, “I myself haven’t always gone to a mamad (shelter) right away. And in my home, we weren’t always careful either. But in recent days, we’ve made sure to head to the basement shelter. My wife cleaned and organized it. We now understand — this time it’s different. This is more serious than anything we’ve experienced before.”
Representatives from United Hatzalah, including Reb Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz, national halachah coordinator Rav Naftali Halperin, and Bnei Brak branch head Reb Effie Feldman, met with leading poskim Monday to present firsthand footage and information from the aftermath of the strike.
During these meetings, rabbonim were shown harrowing images and detailed accounts of the moments leading up to the missile’s impact and the subsequent rescue efforts. Following this, the rabbonim issued an unequivocal kol korei instructing the public that upon hearing a siren, they are mechuyav to enter a secure space such as a shelter or mamad. Only in the absence of one should individuals take refuge in a stairwell.
In their letter, the rabbonim also addressed persistent claims attributed to the Chazon Ish zt”l that Bnei Brak is inherently protected. They clarified that such statements are often quoted inaccurately, and no blanket promise of physical protection was ever given. The public was urged not to act on such rumors, but rather to follow current instructions from Pikud HaOref, which are in line with daas Torah and halacha.
United Hatzalah’s rabbinic leadership affirmed that they remain in close communication with Home Front Command in order to find appropriate solutions for the shomer Shabbos public, including mechanisms for transmitting emergency alerts on Shabbos, under the direction of leading gedolim.
As the security situation remains volatile, the message from rabbinic leadership is loud and clear: Emunah and bitachon must be accompanied by responsible hishtadlus. In times such as these, protecting one’s life is a chov gadol, a sacred duty.
{Matzav.com Israel}