An estimated 35 “Mechinot,” IDF Prepatory Yeshivas may be compelled to close their doors if the government does not infuse badly-needed funds into the network.

According to Rabbi Moshe Hager, who heads the organization representing the yeshivas around the country, budgetary cuts from the Education Ministry and other sources have left the yeshivas with NIS 19 million a year in place of NIS 29 million, resulting in dire realities with some yeshivas inability to pay salaries.

The yeshivas today serve as a primary source for highly-motivate Shabbat-observant combat soldiers. According to MK Nissim Slomianski, over 50% of the combat soldiers and officers in the IDF today are graduates of the Mechinot.

The first mechina yeshiva was in Yishuv Eli in Shomron, some 21 years ago, Yeshivat Bnei David under the direction of Rav Eli Sadan. Over 90% of its graduates serve in combat units and some 50% sign on to serve as combat officers.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)