Many Ashkelon residents gathered together upon the call of the rabbonim of the city to a massive rally against the threats of modern technology in order to save the souls and spirits of their children. The high point of the gathering was the public reading of the letter from HaRav Chaim Kanievsky which stated:
"Against those who stand in the proximity of Internet - I declare: `Distance your steps from Gehennom.'"
His outspoken declaration made a tremendous impression upon the large audience. The gathering organized by the Rabbinical Committee for the Fortification of the Walls of Religion featured HaRav David Yosef as speaker. He said, "The Internet and the non-kosher cell phones cause a befuddlement of the mind which is the worst ill. No one has a guarantee [of not being affected], therefore there is no possible heter to use a non-certified cell phone."
His address was followed by one from Rabbi Zamir Cohen who said, "The challenge of our generation is the proper use of technology for the best utilization of time and not for wasting it. Those non-kosher cell phones have caused many homes to be ruined, while whoever uses only a kosher phone causes a Kiddush Hashem, similar to publicly wearing a kippah on one's head."
