Ponevezh Yeshiva Dispute: Court Backs Arbitration Ruling

Tensions are running high at Ponevezh Yeshiva in Bnei Brak following a district court ruling that upheld an arbitration decision by retired Supreme Court Justice Elyakim Rubinstein (referred to in the original ruling by his former title). The decision went against the petition filed by supporters of Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Shmuel Markowitz.

Despite plans to appeal the ruling to Israel's Supreme Court, supporters of Rabbi Markowitz, referred to in Hebrew media by the nickname "Mechablim" (saboteurs), a term used by their opponents, acknowledge their chances of success are limited. They are now seriously considering the possibility that they may need to vacate the yeshiva campus.

Rabbi Kahaneman (Video: Kobi Israel, Kikar HaShabbat)

As previously reported, the judge granted the Markowitz faction an extension allowing them to remain on campus through the High Holidays period, enabling them to conduct prayers for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur at the yeshiva.

Meanwhile, Rabbi Avraham Kahaneman, who serves as president of the yeshiva for the opposing factionm known as the "Sonim" (enemies) by their rivals, arrived at the yeshiva campus for afternoon prayers, surrounded by dozens of students.

Rabbi Markowitz had been expected to deliver an address responding to the legal developments, but the talk has been postponed until tomorrow evening. Instead, he gave a regular Torah lesson to third-year students.

Rabbi Markowitz's supporters plan to appeal the judge's decision, citing among other concerns the brief 45-day period granted for vacating the premises.