A routine evening on Avnei Nezer Street in the ultra-Orthodox city of Modi'in Illit turned into a scene of severe violence on Tuesday night. A lecture by the head of the "Pitchei Olam" yeshiva, the esteemed Rabbi Eliyahu Feivelson, was aggressively cut short. What began as a quiet protest quickly escalated within minutes into a large-scale riot involving incitement and physical violence.
Surrounded and Assaulted
According to eyewitnesses, dozens of young men, apparently students from local yeshivas (yeshivot ketanot), gathered outside the building where Rabbi Feivelson was teaching.
When the lecture concluded and the Rabbi attempted to walk to his car, approximately 20 rioters ambushed him and surrounded his vehicle. The mob began shouting slurs, blocked his path, and damaged his car. The situation rapidly deteriorated into physical violence:
"Soul murderer! Evil, wicked man!" the rioters screamed as Rabbi Feivelson was shoved and beaten in the middle of the street.
Police forces failed to arrive at the scene while the riot was at its peak. Local residents of the street decided to take action. They physically cleared the rioters from the road and helped rescue the Rabbi and his vehicle from the dangerous siege.
This is not the first time Rabbi Feivelson has faced violent opposition. The yeshiva head is a highly controversial figure in certain ultra-Orthodox circles due to his unique theological and philosophical views, particularly his deep interpretations of Maimonides (the Rambam).
In recent years, his teachings have put him at the center of public controversy, making him the target of severe harassment and direct threats to his life.
Currently, neither the Israel Police nor the Modi'in Illit municipality have released an official response to the incident. Rabbi Feivelson has not issued a formal statement, but those close to him say he remains fully dedicated to his educational work despite the ongoing threats.
