Police Storm Ohr Yisrael Yeshiva, Fire Tear Gas Inside Beis Medrash During Lunch Break
Officers chase two students into Ohr Yisrael Yeshiva compound • Physical altercation erupts in lobby as dozens witness the scene | Police claim they were 'searching for a missing person' (Jewish World)
A dramatic confrontation unfolded Tuesday afternoon at Or Yisrael Yeshiva in Petah Tikva when police officers stormed the private compound, physically confronted students, and deployed tear gas inside the study hall — all during the midday lunch break as dozens of students looked on in shock.
The incident, which occurred around 2:15 PM, has ignited fierce controversy over what yeshiva students and witnesses describe as a blatant violation of the institution's private space and an excessive use of force against religious students.
According to multiple eyewitnesses who spoke with Kikar HaShabbat, the confrontation began when two yeshiva students returning from shopping at the nearby Carso shopping center noticed a police patrol car. As the students quickened their pace, a male and female officer exited the vehicle and began pursuing them on foot.
"The students started running, and the officers launched into a full foot chase," one witness recounted. "The drama reached its peak when the students fled into the yeshiva compound seeking refuge, but the police didn't stop. Officers stormed the private yeshiva grounds from multiple directions simultaneously to corner the students."
The pursuit culminated in a violent confrontation inside the yeshiva's main lobby, precisely during the lunch break when dozens of students were present. According to students, one officer approached a student, grabbed him forcefully by the arm, and shouted "Come with me."
What followed shocked the assembled students: a physical altercation erupted as officers struck the student repeatedly. During the melee, police deployed a canister of tear gas, spraying it directly at the students inside the enclosed space — a move witnesses described as "savage and clearly illegal" within a private facility.
"It was an insane and highly illegal incident," one eyewitness stated. "Police enter private yeshiva property, beat a student with blows, and spray tear gas on students as if they're hardened criminals. After they chased, grabbed, and beat him, suddenly they remembered to say they were actually looking for a missing person. Does that sound logical to anyone — that's how you search for a missing person inside a yeshiva?"
After the violent confrontation, the targeted student managed to break free from the officer's grip. Police later claimed they had been searching for a "missing person," an explanation that students and yeshiva officials dismissed as absurd given the aggressive tactics employed.
Israel Police have not yet issued an official response to the incident.
Further updates to follow.