We hereby notify the public that progress has been made in
implementing a suitable solution to the problem of cellular
phones, namely a device suitable for conversation alone.
Emphasis is also being placed on the economic aspects,
ensuring that these devices approved for and designed to meet
the needs of Jewish households are available at the lowest
possible prices and the highest quality.
At present, based on directives from gedolei Yisroel
shlita, the following decisions have been reached:
* The advertising ban against cellular companies and devices
remains in place and applies to every form of
advertising without exception, and no efforts to breach this
barrier should be accommodated.
* We suggest that until the solution is implemented cell-
phone users refrain from purchasing devices, upgrading, or
signing up for any plans in order to avoid agmas
nefesh in the future.
* Parents and educators are cautioned that in light of the
serious spiritual threat today's cellular phones pose,
children and youths should have no access to cell
phones, even for a short time, particularly devices that
harbor terrible stumbling-blocks, Rachmono litzlan,
that should be clear to all. All of the holy yeshivas and
educational institutions for boys and girls should adhere to
this carefully, even during hours when studies are not
held.
May the safeguarding of our offspring's purity and the
deference to gedolei Yisroel shlita stand by us in
order that we see children and grandchildren following the
path of Torah and yir'oh without stumbling or
suffering, choliloh.
With Torah blessings,
Boruch Shraga Tzvi Friedman
Yisroel Fishbein
Amram Ofman
Yosef Binyomin Wosner
