In an unprecedented move, the Director-General of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Shimon Shoshani has announced he is cutting funding for the Doresh Yechudicha Yeshiva High School in Yitzhar, shutting it down. The senior ministry official explains that the decision is not his alone, but based on confidential information that he has received, information that he is not at liberty to share.

The ministry is simply pulling the school’s license and funding as well as halting funding for the Ohd Yosef Chai Yeshiva, also in the same yishuv where it relocated after Israel abandoned Kever Yosef, handing it over to the PA (Palestinian Authority).

Shoshani held a hearing for the yeshiva’s directors about a month ago, after which he reached his decision, but not before announcing that he received confidential information. Shoshani explains that the information that he received paints a different picture than the one he received from the directors during the hearing.

Shoshani adds that the book Toras HaMelech, written by the rosh yeshiva, Rabbi Yitzchak Shapira, simply is not in line with the educational values expected from a rabbi and educator, one who influences the next generation.

Right-wing politicians are pointing an accusing finger at Education Minister Gideon Saar, who they feel is hiding behind Shoshani.

The yeshiva’s attorney told Kol Chai Radio on Wednesday morning (5 Cheshvan) that there is no confidential information, but an excuse to shut down the school due to its nationalistic philosophy. In addition, he stated police are under extreme pressure to find the ‘price tag’ perpetrators, and since they cannot tie any of the suspects arrested to the case, they are taking this step in an act of frustration.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)