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Emanuel is Behind Us – Now the Chinuch Atzmai Internal Battle

The Emanuel Beis Yaakov case may have bought a bit of tranquility inside the divided Chinuch Atzmai operation, and with the Emanuel affair behind us, at least for the time being, Chinuch Atzmai officials are preparing for their day in court on Sunday, July 4th, as the sides continue efforts to take control of the organization. Perhaps the sides should have attended the ahavas yisrael seminars held in Emanuel during the past days. Kol HaChareidi reports that the in-fighting which has plagued Chinuch Atzmai directly impacted the Emanuel case, inhibiting efforts to reach a settlement since the leaders of the organization are not cooperating with one another. It is no secret that the power struggle to determine who will control Chinuch Atzmai has been going on for some time, and the court will have to decide a number of key issues; including if Rabbi Avraham Yosef Lazerson can by a member of the directorate and if the Moetzas Gedolei HaTorah’s decision regarding the makeup of the directorate will be accepted and be legally binding. Efforts to reach an agreement are ongoing as the sides would prefer to avoid having the secular court once again adjudicate a major controversy that is critical to the chareidi community. Critics point out that Chinuch Atzmai has been plagued with infighting for too long, and it has taken its toll on the system and the schools as well. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Emanuel Case Leading to Split in Chinuch Atzmai

It appears that Chinuch Atzmai’s Rabbi Tzvi Baumel a number of weeks ago sent a letter to parents involved in the Emanuel Beis Yaakov case, indicating that the court’s solution of combing the classes is acceptable, and the organization would act in compliance with the court. This letter reportedly enjoys the support of Gedolei Yisrael Shlita following consultations with them, along with MKs Moshe Gafne and Uri Maklev. Two names mentioned supporting the move are Maran Rav Elyashiv Shlita and Maran R’ Shteinman Shlita. Chinuch Atzmai head Rabbi Avraham Yosef Lazerson also met with Gedolei Yisrael Shlita and he presents a totally different viewpoint. Rav Lazerson feels that compliance with the court’s ruling will open a Pandora’s Box, one that may encourage similar court actions against the other tens of Chinuch Atzmai affiliated mosdos around the country. It appears Rav Lazerson’s is tenacious in his opposition, certain it will prove detrimental in the long-term. He is support by HaGaon HaRav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz. Rav Lazerson feels that Rav Baumel’s solution is a far cry from an acceptable solution, and the picture presented to Gedolei Yisrael to enlist their support was a partial picture at best. Rav Lazerson insists that Gedolei Yisrael are actually opposed to acquiescing to the court’s ruling based on presenting them with all the facts, not partial details surrounding the case. This report as it is presented is carried by numerous chareidi media outlets. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Court Pleased with Agreement in Chinuch Atzmai Case

Tel Aviv District Court Justice Naveh Ben-Ohr was pleased that the sides reached an agreement regarding the leadership of Chinuch Atzmai without the court’s involvement. The case came before the court on Sunday, July 4, 2010. The court had two petitions, one from Rabbi Avraham Lazerson who demanded to be appointed to the new leadership forum that created by Degel faction members in agreement with the Shlomei Emunim faction of R’ Meir Porush. Lazerson challenged the decision to oust him from Chinuch Atzmai’s leadership. The second petition comes from a veteran leader, Rabbi Yitzchak Meir, challenging the formation of the new leadership body based on the decision of Gedolei Yisrael last year, meeting in Jerusalem’s Novotel Hotel. R’ Meir explained as the remaining original member, he alone has the right to disqualify the decision of that rabbinical forum last year. Baruch Hashem, on erev shabbos, an agreement was reached, avoiding yet additional involvement of the secular judicial system in chareidi chinuch – a most sensitive reality following the Emanuel Beis Yaakov affair. As reported earlier, the new agreement provides a 14-man leadership council, providing Agudah and Degel with equal representation. The internal Agudah division as follows; three slots for Gur, one for Vishnitz, one for Slonim, two for Shlomei Emunim. The remaining seven slots are assigned to Degel. Representing the parties in the court were Rav Lazerson, Mordechai Karelitz and Rav Aryeh Dvir as well as attorneys representing the Central Party, Yitzhak Meron and Udi Edelstein. The court agreed to the request, to permit the sides an additional six weeks to prepare a final agreement for the court’s approval, set to reappear on August 25th. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Deal Reached to End Chinuch Atzmai Dispute

It is being reported that over recent weeks, the Belzer Rebbe Shlita has been working behind the scene regarding the Emanuel Beis Yaakov and Chinuch Atzmai in General. Noted Belz askan Mordechai Brisk has been heavily involved. The Belz message is “if we do not achieve achdus amongst ourselves, what will others say about us”. It appears that R’ Brisk’s efforts have paid off and an agreement was reached ahead of Sunday’s scheduled appearance of Chinuch Atzmai officials before the nation’s High Court of Justice. Some officials involved in the behind-the-scenes talks thank Yoav Lalum, explaining his stir surrounding Emanuel compelled those involved to make the extra effort to reach an agreement with Chinuch Atzmai rather than once again find the chareidi chinuch beholden to the High Court for a ruling. The agreement results in a council of 14, with the following breakdown. Agudah’s seats are divided as follows: 3 seats for Gur, 1 Vishnitz, 1 Slonim, 2 Shlomei Emunim (Porush), and the remainder from Degel. Belz is not represented, and as many understand, the chassidus remains between a rock and a hard place – since 5749 when Belz aligned with Degel. The chassidus has not yet found its place among the other chassidim in the organization and this is also visible in the realities vis-à-vis Chinuch Atzmai. Others point out the injustice of the situation, since Belz has continued working to units all the factions and it has agreed to forgo its representation towards shalom in the chareidi camp, and today, finds itself without a place. Gedolei Yisrael Shlita reviewed and approved the agreement on Thursday night. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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What’s Chabad’s View on Emanuel Case?

Some are asking where Chabad Chassidus stands regarding the Emanuel issue and the allegations and denials surrounding charges of discrimination in the Emanuel Beis Yaakov. It is a known fact that Chabad mosdos are open to all, regardless of ethnic background, prompting some to wonder if the chassidus is for or against the battle. Following are excerpts from Rav Brod’s release. Chabad spokesman Rav Menachem Brod explains, in a carefully worded statement, that it is clear that the presence of the Chabad community at the Emanuel protest was not a statement of siding with either party, not the Chinuch Atzmai officials who deny discrimination charges, explaining girls were accepted or rejected on the basis of religious lifestyle suitability, or the Sephardi parents who insist their daughters were humiliated. Rav Brod feels this is a matter that must be adjudicated by a beis din. Chabad’s participation signaled the movement’s agreement with the outrage over the blatant involvement of the nation’s High Court of Justice in chareidi chinuch, further stating if the state would have halted state-funds to the school one would be able to understand the logic – but in this case, the court was bold enough to attempt to force the parents’ hands, to compel them to accept the court’s definition of acceptable chinuch over the words of the rabbonim. Chabad’s way he explains is an open-door policy to all ethnicities, providing one is a descendent of the Avos and Imahos, in line with the teachings of the Rebbe ZT”L. He explained the Rebbe felt responsible for all Klal Yisrael. Rav Brod warns the court’s involvement set a very dangerous precedent for chareidi chinuch, further warning that “we know where this involvement begins but we cannot know where it ends”. He concludes by stating discrimination based on ethnic background is unacceptable and it must be uprooted from the community. He states it is contrary to the Torah’s way. “The Emanuel Beis Yaakov case revealed just how painful this can be, when Jews are met with the pain and humiliation of discrimination. Whatever the case may be, the solution must be found internally, not via the secular courts”. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Post Emanuel Beis Yaakov Events

HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Yosef, 64, who was working with Yoav Lalum in the Emanuel case remains in Shaare Zedek Medical Center. His condition appears good after sustaining a “cardiac incident” and the rav remains under observation. He is admitted to the hospital’s cardiac unit. As the Emanuel Beis Yaakov girls complete their three-days of desegregated classes, Rishon L’Tzion HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Amar Shlita and HaGaon HaRav Shimon Ba’adani Shlita, of the Shas Moetzas Gedolei HaTorah, will be visiting Emanuel on Tuesday to speak with the girls about Ahavas Yisrael. Also expected today are Shas leader Deputy Prime Minister Eli Yishai and the head of Chinuch Atzmai, HaRav Avraham Lazerson. On Sunday, Migdal Ha’emek Chief Rabbi HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Dovid Grossman visited the girls to address the same topic. The girls are not actually in school but ‘yimei iyun’, days being used to host seminars to promote ahavas yisrael after the painful beis yaakov case. The Sanz Rebbe Shlita released a statement that the Emanuel girls “taught us mesirus nefesh”. In other post-Emanuel events, the Slonimer Rebbe Shlita on Monday night visited Gavaad Yerushalayim HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Tuvia Weiss Shlita to thank him for his support during the Emanuel affair. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Minister Atias on Emanuel Case

Speaking on Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Tuesday morning, Minister of Housing (Shas) Ariel Atias expressed his disappointment with the party’s silence during the Emanuel affair, telling host Niv Raskin that it is known that discrimination against Sephardim is a part of life in the chareidi Ashkenazi school system. He confirmed that there is discrimination in Emanuel, sorrowfully adding this is something that will not disappear in the immediate future. He decried the High Court’s ruling, explaining the point is to end discrimination, and the court has done nothing towards achieving this goal. The minister defended Maran Rav Ovadia Yosef Shlita and the Gadol HaDor’s harsh statements against the Supreme Court. He rejected the involvement of the High Court in the case. Regarding Emanuel however, he rejects the statements of some the Ashkenazi parents in the school who insist some of the parents involved are not frum. He stated not only are they shomer shabbat, they are chareidi. They wish to learn in Chinuch Atzmai and they are entitled to do so. RASKIN: I think the big winner here is Aryeh Deri as Shas comes under much criticism. ATIAS: I don’t think there are any big winners. Deri gave a great deal to Shas and I for one believe his place is still in the party’s leadership. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Yahadut HaTorah MKs Discuss Options Regarding Emanuel

Yahadut HaTorah MKs met on Monday in the tent established outside Massiyahu Prison, discussing their outrage over the fact that avreichim were sent to prison by the nation’s highest court for their crime of clinging to their yiddishkheit and adhering to their rebbe. Deputy Minister of Health Yaakov Litzman indicated that remaining in the coalition as a deputy minister is not of paramount importance, telling ‘Kol HaChareidi’ that he personally is willing to give up his post to break away from the coalition if the rabbonim so decide. It appears they were all in agreement, that the Emanuel affair may not be permitted to pass without a response as fathers and husbands are imprisoned in the Jewish state, decrying the unprecedented attack against chareidi Jewry by the court. One must remember that tomorrow, Tuesday, June 22nd, the High Court is expected to announce its decision regarding the Emanuel mothers and their two-week prison term. Gafne, who did his homework, questioned the blatant discrimination in the nation’s secular university system, pointing out that 93% of the staff at Tel Aviv University is Ashkenazim. He added the same holds true for those selected to light Independence Day torches, justices in the nation’s courts, the State Prosecutor’s Office and all aspects of the secular system – seeking to understand the brazenness of the court which points an accusing finger at Emanuel and Chinuch Atzmai. Gafne, who was visibly angered, questioned just how much the community has to tolerate and just how the court sees itself justified regarding its unwanted interference in chareidi chinuch. Last week’s prison march sent a clear message to the government that support for the outrage against the Supreme Court and its attempt to dictate chareidi chinuch. The event was attended by Litvish gedolim and rabbonim, as well as admorim, as well as followers of dati leumi gedolim such a HaGaon HaRav Dov Lior Shlita and HaGaon HaRav Zalman Melamed Shlita. It would appear that a coalition crisis is brewing and the ripple effect of the Emanuel case may extend far from the isolated community in Shomron, reaching the Knesset and the ruling coalition. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Emanuel Boys to Receive a Bracha from Maran R’ Shteinman

The sons of the Emanuel parents imprisoned in Massiyahu Prison in Ramle are going to Bnei Brak today, Sunday, scheduled to arrive at Maran Rosh Yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav Aaron Leib Shteinman for a bracha. They are expected to be at Maran’s home at 6:00pm. Reports indicate Rav Shteinman is also planning to visit Massiyahu, but his arrival will be delayed as a result of his desire to give the children a bracha. The girls of the same families are not in school, but receiving a break from the pressures of the affair in Moshav Komimiyut in the south, where they are in a camp-type program. In the meantime, back at the solidarity tent outside Massiyahu Prison, preparations are underway as City Hall is being most supportive, beyond the expectations of anyone involved. Large speakers are being set up to accommodate chareidi entertainers, and the city is also providing garbage cans, sanitation service, lighting at night and electricity. The MKs of Yahadut HaTorah praise the city for its support as they are trying to maintain a round-the-clock presence during the two week prison term. In the meantime, Chinuch Atzmai suffered another blow on Sunday, and the court rejected a petition to wave the staggering NIS 5,000 daily fine. Adding to the court’s insult, Chinuch Atzmai was also ordered to pay an additional NIS 5,000 to cover the legal fees of the petition. The secular media continues to feed off of the affair, questioning the loyalty of chareidi MKs, deputy ministers and ministers, and the chareidi population at large, for its blasphemous adjectives regarding the nation’s highest court of law. (In a somewhat related matter, no mention is made regarding the blasphemous comments released during the past weeks by Gabi Gazit and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, in their tasteless references to the chareidi community at large). The court on Sunday also called on Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein, to urgently probe article 255 of the penal law to see if the Emanuel parents violated the law pertaining to contempt of court. The court is referring to the 22 mothers who are aware of the court’s ruling and the two-week prison term, yet they continue to ignore the court, referring to Thursday when they returned home instead of turning themselves over to authorities by 5:00pm as the court instructed. Earlier in the day, the court signaled it would announce its decision regarding the mother’s prison term on Tuesday. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Rav Yaakov Yosef Pulls Out of Emanuel Dispute

HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Yosef on motzei shabbos announced he is removing himself from any involvement in the ongoing dispute surrounding the Emanuel Beis Yaakov. It appears numerous threats against his life contributed heavily to his decision. Rav Yaakov has been a pillar of support for Yoav Lalum and his bold decision to take his claim of discrimination in the school to the nation’s secular Supreme Court, leading to recent events. The court appointed Rav Yaakov Yosef as an official arbitrator to adjudicate outstanding matters between the sides, but he was unsuccessful ending the dispute. According to a Kikar Shabbat report, during recent weeks, representatives of the Slonimer chassidus and of Maran HaGaon HaRav Elyashiv Shlita have tried contacting R’ Yaakov Yosef to question his actions, which chas v’sholom could have a devastating impact on chareidi chinuch, but their efforts were unsuccessful. After it became clear that the Slonim Rebbe Shlita remained tenacious in his conviction to protect Chinuch Atzmai and the chinuch as he views it, the parents prepared for prison as hundreds of thousands came out (numbers range from 160,000 to over 300,000) in solidarity and against the High Court of Justice. The fathers in the case last week turned themselves over to police and have spent their first of two shabbasos in jail, serving a two-week contempt of court sentence. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Petition Challenging High Court’s Imprisonment of Emanuel Parents

The Shurat HaDin lawsuit filed with the High Court of Justice calls for the immediate release of the Emanuel parents, alleging the court exceeded its authority when it sentenced them to a two-week jail term. The petition is against Israel Police and Israel Prison Authority, citing the High Court is not authorized to render such decisions against private citizens, as per the nation’s Basic Law, which stipulates the court’s jurisdiction extends to government agencies, its employees, the nation’s court and rabbinical courts and other public agencies, but not private citizens. Shurat HaDin maintains the Basic Law is clear and the court simply may not permit itself to issue orders against private citizens. The petition continues to point out the court felt that based on the case of Lod Taxi Company, in which a driver of the company drove a taxi on a prohibited street and the firm was held accountable, the same holds true here regarding Chinuch Atzmai and the parents. The petitioner however states this is not the case here in Emanuel, and the court in this case exceeded its authority by ordering the parents sent to prison for contempt. Shurat HaDin points out in the case of Lod Taxi, the district court acted within its judicial authority by rendering its decision against private citizens. In this case however, the court acted outside of the parameters of its judicial authority. The petition in Emanuel was not filed against the parents and therefore, the court cannot seek to direct the petition and its consequences against those parents. If the petition was filed against the parents, it would have been rejected. The ruling handed down in the case was also not directed at the parents, and therefore, they cannot be pulled into the ruling as they have been when in actuality, the petition was filed against the Ministry of Education and the school. Attorney Nitzan Darshan-Leitner explains that the court expanded the scope of the petition by stretching it to the maximum, including the parents. Citizens, private individuals, cannot be held accountable for the implementation of a ruling directed at a municipality and the system does offer a number of mechanisms to ensure compliance with a court ruling, but ordaining the parents with the responsibility is not one of those options. Two of the parents, Rav Yisrael Saviner and Chaim Stern submitted a petition to the court demanding their immediate release, on Friday. Attorney Aviad Visuly explained they were incarcerated unjustifiably. Regarding the court’s decision to find the parents guilty of contempt, the court was compelled to hear testimony and statements from each and every parent. This was not the case and they did not receive their day in court, not factually and not judicially. The court found them in contempt, based on the Lod Taxi Company case, without hearing their testimony, when in reality, the court veered from its judicial authority to an area under the jurisdiction of the nation’s court system. Visuly is a known expert in such cases, an ardent champion of justice for the right-wing, who is representing the Emanuel parents’ pro bono due to the gross miscarriage of justice in his opinion. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Eli Yishai on Emanuel Case

Speaking with Israel Radio on Thursday morning, Shas leader Eli Yishai explained this a “very difficult day”. The interview took place before the party’s Council of Torah Sages headed by Maran HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita convened. (Portions of the interview follow). He added that “There is no doubt that discrimination exists” but there has been a partial solution, at least in principle, as Shas founded the Mayanei HaYeshua education network for Sephardim. He adds that some Sephardim however still prefer to send their children to a Chinuch Atzmai school, “and this is legitimate”. Yishai questions the wisdom of sending parents to jail, even with the awareness of the ongoing discrimination. “We know how to deal with the discrimination within the camp without causing such a terrible chilul Hashem”. ISRAEL RADIO: You are a senior cabinet minister and government official. Do you sanction disregarding a High Court decision? YISHAI: I think the problem began with the entire way the matter of discrimination was addressed in this case, and it should have been addressed internally as in the past, not as it has been – and now, we see the disastrous results. Earlier in the interview, Yishai did state that one cannot just ignore a ruling of the High Court, adding that at times, the chareidim to turn to the court as well, but only after first consulting with rabbonim and receiving their permission for such a move. Yishai adds the Shas mosdos are indeed a viable alternative, since there is no discrimination, accepting both Sephardim and Ashkenazim. ISRAEL RADIO: In essence, today’s battle seeks to turn the battle against the Supreme Court, but in essence, the problem is within the chareidi community. YISHAI: Yes, there is discrimination and there are a number of solutions. Permitting those who wish mixed classrooms to attend such schools. There are also the Shas schools. There are a number of streams and we must yearn to permit children/ parents to learn in the stream they view as appropriate for them. I call it ‘come learn with us. I mean it, that’s the true solution. Come and take advantage to the Shas mosdot”. Yishai explained that his children learn in Ashkenazi mosdos since it is convenient, close to home, detailing in Har Nof, there are no Sephardi mosdot. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Last Minute Efforts in Emanuel Beis Yaakov Case

Former Shas leader Aryeh Deri on Wednesday evening submitted his idea for a compromise agreement in the hope Slonim Chassidus will accept it and avoid the two-week jail terms for the parents involved, jail sentences scheduled to begin tomorrow, June 17th. Deri proposes that the girls from the ‘chassidi track’ will be in regular classes in compliance with the regulations submitted by Chinuch Atzmai and accepted and approved by the Ministry of Education. Simultaneously, interested parties in Emanuel maintain the right to file a request for a ‘mossad patur’, basically a state recognized school that will not receive state funds. In the event the mossad patur meets ministry requirements in all areas including education, safety, sanitation, the ministry from its part will do everything possible to expedite processing the request to enable the new school to open its doors for the 5771 school year. Until such time the new school is approved, girls attending the Beis Yaakov in Emanuel who wish to transfer to different schools will receipt a positive response, permitting them to do so. In a measure to exhibit genuine good will, the girls in the chassidi track (Ashkenazim) will return to their classrooms and complete the school year, two weeks. The court will be asked to wave fines imposed on parents for their contempt of court. The agreement concludes that in a showing of camaraderie and friendship accompanied by profound sorry over the pain caused by the actions of both sides, all parties involved are requested to retract their statements publically towards living together harmoniously in the future. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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High Court Drama Surrounding Emanuel Beis Yaakov

12:22PM IL: The Tuesday morning court proceedings surrounding the Emanuel Beis Yaakov was surrounded by tensions of the recent months, in which the sides have failed to reach agreement. Yoav Lalum has been villainized by the Ashkenazi chareidi community, with pashkavilim bearing his photo appearing in chareidi areas, labeled as a “traitor’ and worse. In today’s hearing, High Court Justice Edmond Levy, who was lauded for his remarks just yesterday as he supported the right of chareidim to sit and study Torah and have the state subsidize the learning showed a different attitude today, one of contempt for Chinuch Atzmai and the rabbonim for having the chutzpa to ignore a High Court ruling. Levy stated that a ruling of the nation’s highest court is not subject to anyone’s approval, or any halachic authority, and failure to comply with the court’s earlier rulings is indeed a serious matter. In the session today the pressure was on the Slonimer Rebbe Shlita, who told the court he refuses to accept any compromise suggested, for there can be no compromise regarding the chinuch of the children. The court requested that Beis Yaakov Emanuel permit the Sephardi girls to enter the mainstream program for the next two weeks, the remainder of the school year, stipulating that by doing so the school in no way implies any acceptance regarding next year, but the Rebbe remained firm and stated he cannot accept such a compromise. One parent whose child attends the Beis Yaakov is Mr. Yitzchak Green, who agreed to speak with the media. “We want to live our lives. We are not for or against them [the Sephardi girls]. How can we have two schools in one building? If one sends his children to Bnei Brak is this discrimination too? You want us to go to jail, we will go to jail. You want to kill us, kill us. “This is our life that we toiled to build and no one will destroy it, not anyone. We will protect our values to the end and the honorable Edmond Levy or Dorit Beinish will not change this, not even the [retired High Court president] honorable Aaron Barak of the past. There will be a protest of 500,000 people or not. It doesn’t matter. There is no power in the world to today that will compel us to compromise. This is the ultimate battle and we will not give in”. Yehuda Laufer, a Jerusalem resident who grandchildren attend the Emanuel Beis Yaakov added “It is good that the High Court showed its true face, the number one enemy of religious and Torah life in the State of Israel… The court is the neighborhood bully. No one elected it or selected it. It is not a democratic body. At the end of the day, it is a leftist entity that continues to battle Torah and halacha life and it is good that we now all know exactly who we are dealing with.” Emanuel Municipality official Yehuda Eichler added “We will uproot our homes in Emanuel to adhere to the word of our rabbonim. It is comes down to listening to our rabbonim of the court, we will adhere to the rabbonim. The Torah was given over 3,000 years ago and the court I don’t know exactly. What is certain

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Emanuel Beis Yaakov Case Getting Uglier

The Chinuch Atzmai system and the Emanuel Beis Yaakov are under enormous pressure as the 3 Tammuz High Court of Justice appearance date approaches. All efforts to reach an agreement have failed, despite the involvement of many prominent rabbonim, including Rav Tuvia Blau and even Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Shlomo Amar Shlita, who has been approached as well in the hope of bringing the matter to a conclusion without the court’s interference. Agudah officials met earlier in the week, expressing their unwillingness to accept any court ruling that will compel a compromise regarding chareidi chinuch. Deputy Minister Meir Porush has adopted a more militant attitude, and vowed if parents are sent to jail, he will move Agudah’s office to the prison gates and maintain a presence there if necessary. There is also talk of shutting the school as a solution, but some fear the can of worms has been opened and it is too late, that the court’s involvement will be system-wide, impacting Chinuch Atzmai mosdos around the country, not just the beis yaakov in Emanuel. It now appears that a number of notable Slonimer askanim are preparing a libel suit against Yoav Lalum, who stands at the helm of the Noar K’halacha organization and is responsible for bringing the entire Emanuel Beis Yaakov case to the court. The suit is based on an interview with Lalum on Kol Chai Radio this week, in which he stated that the Beis Yaakov and Slonim receive funds from the International Fellowship of Christians & Jews headed by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. The askanim explain that unlike Lalum, they are not moving ahead with the lawsuit until their rabbonim shlita permit such a move, explaining they don’t just act on their own volition as it appears Lalum does. Lalum in recent days has been interviewed quite a bit on radio, engaging in confrontations with opponents regarding the Beis Yaakov Emanuel. Interestingly, the weekly BaKehilla, affiliated with Belz chassidus, reports it has received documents showing without a doubt that Lalum’s organization received hundreds of thousands of dollars in assistance from Rabbi Eckstein’s organization. Gedolim in Eretz Yisrael have prohibited accepting such funds, as has Yad L’Achim. In a related matter, Agudas Yisrael leaders are also concerned regarding another petition filed with the High Court of Justice, by Prof. Uriel Reichman and others, seeking to have the court compel Chinuch Atzmai to include ‘core subjects’ in the curriculum. Leaders of Agudah met this week to decide how to address this suit, which may also place Chinuch Atzmai at odds with the nation’s highest court. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Emanuel Parents Seeking Solution as the Hourglass Runs Down

The time limit on the High Court of Justice-imposed decision to halt segregation in Emanuel’s Beis Yaakov School lapses today, demanding compliance or both parents and Chinuch Atzmai face stiff daily fines. Many of the parents of the students boycotting the classes are in negotiations with two mosdos in Bnei Brak, seeking to circumvent the court ordered desegregation, realizing the clock is rapidly running down. Speaking with Ynet, attorney Mordechai Green, who represents the parents, expressed confidence that once the court realizes the parents are doing their utmost to comply without compromising their principles, he and the parents are confident the court will agree to wave the NIS 200 daily fine per student not attending mixed classes. Yoav Lalum, who is spearheading the legal case against the school, is quoted by Kikar Shabbat as saying he has no problem with parents opting to send their girls to another school, stating it is their life and their decision. He explains that he was never bothered by the fact that some girls are learning in other schools, but he cannot tolerate the ongoing discrimination in the local Beis Yaakov. He wished to add that in his eyes, the Slonim Rebbe Shlita is a “holy man” and his battle is not chas v’sholom with the Rebbe, but with a handful of parents. He adds that the contention that the separation or the battle in the school is “religious or lifestyle and not ethnic is absurd” insisting the numbers and the facts on the ground paint a different picture. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Emanuel Parents Threatening to Leave the Community

It appears that at least some of the families boycotting the Emanuel Beis Yaakov are unwilling to comply with a High Court of Justice order to desegregate the school, and realizing a subsequent court decision will soon result in a NIS 200 daily fine against parents, they are contemplating relocating to another community. They explain the government cannot dictate how they will educate their children and what rules will apply surrounding chareidi chinuch. Speaking to Israel Radio on Thursday morning, former High Court Justice Mishael Cheshin explained that “What we are seeing here is a product of the past”, explaining the chareidim are “too accustomed to getting their way”, citing the Bar Ilan Street shabbos conflict and deferments from IDF service as two examples. Yated on erev Shavuos published a letter from HaGaon HaRav Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz Shlita, expressing his objections to the High Court’s rulings. The Rav states the court can send parents to prison, but it cannot compel them to change their lifestyle, beliefs and way of life. The court’s ruling has left many angered in addition to questioning the court’s agenda, the harsh fines imposed on parents and Chinuch Atzmai, viewed as an unprecedented move towards introducing the court’s influence in chareidi chinuch. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Meeting with Gedolei Yisrael Regarding Emanuel Beis Yaakov

Following the latest High Court of Justice decision to end the segregation in the Emanuel Beis Yaakov, ordering parents and Chinuch Atzmai to act immediately or face stiff fines, meetings were held with Maranan V’Rabbanan Gedolei Yisrael Shlita throughout the day on Thursday, seeking their advice as how to proceed. HaMevaser reports Gedolei Yisrael heard the voices of rabbonim and askanim, legal experts and others involved in the case, seeking their sagely advice as the state seeks to interfere in the decision-making process pertaining to chareidi education. The Rabbonim met with Deputy Education Minister Meir Porush, expressing the dilemma, the blatant interference of the court in the chareidi system, compelling parents and administrators alike, brazenly seeking to impose their lifestyle on the chareidi community. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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High Court Rules Sternly on Emanuel Beis Yaakov

The High Court of Justice in the matter of the Emanuel Beis Yaakov pointed out that the matter has been dragging for four months, and the segregation, which has been ruled unacceptable by the court, continues. Therefore, the court has announced that in another eight days, if students are still segregated, the NIS 5,000 daily fine for Chinuch Atzmai will increase to NIS 10,000 daily. In addition, each family whose child is involved will be compelled to pay NIS 200 per day. The court simply feels the behavior of the parties involved in contemptuous, failing to adhere to the ruling and failing to reach an agreement deemed acceptable to the sides. The negotiations were short-lived, breaking down without agreement, without turning to the court-appointed mediator, Rabbi Yosef. The court acknowledges that separation is required for certain subjects, but other classes must be combined and the segregation is unacceptable. The court also permits parents to send their children to any school they wish, providing the school is a recognized entity and not a pirate school as is the case in Emanuel today, regarding those girls not attending regular classes in Beis Yaakov. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Chinuch Atzmai’s Rav Lazerson Laments the Enemy from Within

Chinuch Atzmai’s Rav Avraham Yosef Lazerson spoke of the recent assault against the chareidi community and chareidi chinuch in particular over recent days. He added that what is particularly painful are those “in our camp who provide opponents with the ammunition” to launch such attacks. Lazerson explained the Emanuel Beis Yaakov is not an isolated case, but one that address the Beis Yaakov charter, the essence of the educational network. Therefore he explains, there is no room for compromise. The rabbi explains Chinuch Atzmai is responsible for the chinuch of the children, and there can be no room to permit outsiders to influence the standard, adding that sadly, it is too late to turn the wheel back and the damage has been done. He directed remarks to those within the frum camp, telling them that they bear the responsibility for the events unfolding as the chareidi chinuch system comes under fire from the High Court and in the media. The High Court of Justice on Thursday afternoon will receive a report regarding negotiating efforts between the sides this week; negotiations that both sides are signaling did not lead to agreement. The court in last Thursday’s session gave the sides seven days to meet in the hope of reaching an agreement, appointing HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Yosef to arbitrate.  Chevron activist Baruch Marzel, who is close to Rav Yosef, has also become involved, seeking to assist in bridging the gap and reaching a mutually agreeable solution. It has been learned that one of the issues is that some of the Sephardi girls have internet access in their homes. YWN-Israel has learned that some of the Ashkenazi girls in the school also have internet in their homes. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Negotiations in Emanuel Beis Yaakov Case Break Down

Negotiations involving representatives of Chinuch Atzmai, the Emanuel Beis Yaakov and members of the Sephardic community broke down on Monday, Kikar Shabbat reports. Talks were held on Monday in compliance with the ruling from Supreme Court Justice Edmond Levy, who instructed the sides to work out their difference and HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Yosef Shlita would be called upon to arbitrate outstanding issues. In Monday’s talks, Chinuch Atzmai officials were present, along with Yoav Lalum and school representatives. It appears the breaking point was Lalum’s insistence that the standard Chinuch Atzmai regulations govern the school, but school officials in Emanuel seem unwilling – seeking to add to the standard charter. Lalum reports the additions requested by the Beis Yaakov are simply unacceptable and they do not exist in any other school. Lalum lamented the situation, adding it is most unfortunate that matters which should be decided by Gedolei Yisrael are left in the hands of askanim seeking prestige and honor. Kikar quotes an anonymous Chinuch Atzmai official, who remains optimistic. It appears the sides will sit once again in an effort to reach agreement. At some point, Rav Yosef may be called in or alternatively, the parties may find themselves before the High Court once again. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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R’ Yaakov Yosef to Arbitrate Emanuel Beis Yaakov Case

2:04PM IL: In an unexpected move, the High Court of Justice on Thursday ruled in the Emanuel Beis Yaakov case that HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Yosef Shlita will serve as arbitrator between the sides towards reaching an amicable solution regarding the discrimination against Sephardim in the school. The Ministry of Education objects to such a move, realizing it will remove the matter from the ministry’s jurisdiction. R’ Yoav Lalum, who is spearheading the case against the school, and the subject of many attacks in the chareidi media and in the community, told reporters upon entering the court that he will not permit the demagogic ways of the past to continue. Following the decision of Justices Edmond Levy, Edna Arbel and Chanan Meltzer, to have HaRav Yaakov Yosef, a son of Chacham HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita, act as arbitrator between the sides, he expressed satisfaction, stating that Rav Yaakov is known as an “Ish Emmes”, one who does not stray from the truth and is uninfluenced by one party or another. The hearing convened in Hall Gimmel, but when it came to have the sides work out the agreement, they were sent downstairs to a side room, compelling the sides to sit and work out their differences. In attendance were Lalum, his attorney, Rav Avraham Yosef Lazerson and Chinuch Atzmai attorney Holtzberg, Yitzchak Weinberg, representing the parents and other officials involved in accepting the compromise agreement. The sides were also informed that if they exhibit an inability to reach agreement today, the situation will become more difficult and complicated. The court also informed parents instructed to appear at today’s hearing that failure to comply with the court’s earlier ruling to send their children to the school will be perceived as contempt of court. The parents explained that the matter is perceived incorrectly, stating it is one of religious observance and lifestyle, not racism or discrimination as it has been portrayed. According to the draft agreement, beginning this Sunday, the girls will all return to their classrooms. During the week, Chinuch Atzmai will attempt to work with parents and teachers towards defining the guidelines for the study of chassidus, at the heart of the problem. Issues that remain controversial will be arbitrated by Rav Yaakov Yosef. Justice Levy made a point of stating the girls will learn in the same school and nothing will be done to signal any difference between them. Levy added that the current situation in which girls are learning in a different location every day may not continue, warning the parties involved that “you may not play around with the court’s ruling”. Chinuch Atzmai’s HaRav Avraham Lazerson told the court that this is simply being blown out of proportion and the matter is not in any way a result of racism or discrimination, but simply placing students in the proper learning environment. Rav Lazerson added that his organization was established to provide a solution for girls from N. African, Yemenite and Moroccan descent, and as such, the first schools were established in development areas, and even today, most of the population of Beit Yaakov schools is Sephardim. Rabbi Lazerson added that Chinuch Atzmai has complied with the High Court’s ruling and combined the classes for the girls, but after the Ashkenazi girls left, the funding was halted and

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Emanuel Parents Summoned to Appear Before High Court on Thursday

For many parents in the Shomron community of Emanuel, the coming days are days filled with tension, demanding focus and strengthening one’s inner fortitude as they will on Thursday be compelled to appear before the High Court of Justice in the case involving the community’s Beis Yaakov and allegations of ongoing discrimination. The parents plan to tell the court that when it comes to providing a Torah education for their daughters, they are compelled to adhere to the directives of rabbonim, and they are unwilling to compromise despite the court’s blatant intervention. They have refused directives from the Ministry of Education and court orders to return their children to the controversial school. A court decision has resulted in a NIS 5,000 daily fine against Chinuch Atzmai, despite the fact that attorneys representing the educational network explained to the court that the parents in Emanuel are acting on their own, without connection to Chinuch Atzmai. The court’s unprecedented actions compelled Agudas Yisrael Rabbonim and lay leaders around the world to take action, convening in NYC in the home of the Novominsker Rebbe Shlita. In Europe, rabbonim met as well and Agudas Yisrael in London sent a strongly worded letter to Israeli diplomatic officials, warning of the dire consequences surrounding the state’s position against chareidi chinuch. Askanim and rabbonim alike are holding consultations ahead of Thursday’s hearing, seeking to prepare for what appears to be a hard-handed attitude adopted by the court against the Beis Yaakov School, seeking to prepare themselves for what awaits them on Thursday. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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NIS 5,000 Daily Chinuch Atzmai Fine Begins Today

The NIS 5,000 daily fine imposed on Chinuch Atzmai by the High Court of Justice in the Emanuel Beis Yaakov segregation case begins today, Sunday, April 18, 2010. After the court handed down the decision, Chinuch Atzmai officials in Eretz Yisrael consulted with legal experts and Gedolei Torah Shlita, as well as enlisting Gedolei Torah Shlita in the United States, well-aware of the ramifications of the harsh court decision, decrying the secular court’s brazen involvement in chareidi chinuch. Rabbonim in Emanuel reported that they have never acted on their own, but are simply adhering to instructions from gedolei yisrael, adding the reports of discrimination are simply untrue. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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New Israel Fund Linked to Emanuel Beis Yaakov Dispute?

Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Bar-Lev, the rav of Emanuel, spoke with the weekly BaKehilla newspaper regarding the ongoing conflict surrounding the city’s Beis Yaakov and alleged discrimination, and the recent Supreme Court ruling levying a NIS 5,000 daily fine on Chinuch Atzmai. BaKehilla: In recent months, the media has expressed a growing interest in the unprecedented concern and involvement of the system regarding the Beis Yaakov School from a legal perspective. How do we view the events from a Torah perspective? Hasn’t there been a great chilul Hashem? Rav Bar-Lev: Gedolei yisrael have instructed us exactly how to act. We did nothing on our own. We did not act out of concern for our own dignity, but for “kovod beis Abba” and to result in a Kiddush Hashem and preserve the educational standards of our daughters. BaKehilla: Do you have a daughter attending the school? Rav: Yes BaKehilla: Have you been summoned to appear before a court? Rav: I am not directly involved in the summonses but I am certain that we will act exactly as instructed by gedolei hador. This is no longer a question that pertains only to Emanuel. This is now a global issue and we are acting as such, for the betterment of klal yisrael. BaKehilla: Did you expect this to grow to such major proportions? Rav: When matters get out of hand as they did, there is a major chilul Hashem which is the direct result of distancing ourselves from a beis din and halacha. Anything can happen but the moment I saw they turned to the system, I prepared myself for the worst scenario. BaKehilla: Will the rav instruct his followers to go to prison if need be? Rav: We will all follow the instructions of the Slonimer Rebbe Shlita which includes going to jail if need be. BaKehilla: How do you explain what occurred here? Weren’t there attempts to reach an understanding? Rav: This entire matter did not have to evolve as it did. Everything was done by agreement. Even prior to implementing the separation, we spoke with HaGaon HaRav Badani Shlita, who explained this must be done. We decided prior to the implementation that any disagreements would be brought before R’ Badani to render a decision. Therefore, all questions, inquiries and complaints should have been directed to the rav. The rav also released a letter prohibiting anyone from speaking with the media or taking the matter to the High Court, explaining that this entire matter must be addressed internally and by a beis din if need be. I will give an example which shows just how much the leaders of the Sephardi community do not endorse what is going on. Shas wished to bring the matter before the Knesset Education Committee. I turned to Rav Pinchasi (Shas secretary) and showed him the documents, including the agreement that all matters would be adjudicated by R’ Badani. They matter was removed from the committee agenda. Shas did not involve itself in the entire matter, which is the result of the actions of Yoav Lalum. BaKehilla: We hear that Lalum in funded by those interested in destroying yiddishkeit. Do you feel this statement is true? Rav: The Emanuel case has gone out of proportion. The matter has been publicized around the world, even in China and

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Agudas Yisrael Rabbonim Convene in USA to Discuss Chinuch Atzmai

Members of Agudas Yisrael’s Rabbinical Council (Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah) in the United States convened in an urgent meeting in the home of the Novominsker Rebbe Shlita. Taking part in the meeting were Rabbi Chaim Levine Shlita (Telz Chicago), Rabbi Aaron Schechter Shlita (Chaim Berlin), Rabbi Dovid Feinstein Shlita (Mesivta Tifferes Yerushalayim), Rabbi Yosef Harari Raful Shlita (Ateret HaTorah, NY), Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetzky Shlita (Philadelphia), Rabbi Malkiel Kotler Shlita (Lakewood) and Rabbi Simcha Bunim Ehrenfeld Shlita (Gavaad Mattersdorf). The Novominsker Rebbe Shlita raised the issue of the recent Israel Supreme Court ruling against Chinuch Atzmai, levying a NIS 5,000 daily fine against Chinuch Atzmai surrounding the ongoing controversy in the Emanuel Beis Yaakov School as was reported by YWN-Israel. According to a HaMevaser report, the Rebbe explained to participants in the meeting that Deputy Minister of Education R’ Meir Porush explained the fine is in fact placing an untenable financial strain on the organization, not to mention the brazen decision of the court demanding that parents appear before the High Court to defend themselves, to explain why they have chosen not to send their girls to the school. The Novominsker explained he accepts the position of the Slonimer Rebbe Shlita, who stated there cannot be any compromise or flexibility regarding chareidi chinuch, calling on parents to remain firm in their decision despite the ferocity of the High Court’s decision. The HaMevaser report quotes the Slonimer Shlita as saying that one must go to jail if required, but there cannot be compromise. The rabbonim on the council concurred with the position. The rabbonim reiterated the need for the chareidi chinuch to remain independent, under the exclusive control of Gedolei Yisrael Shlita. The forum decided that Agudas Yisrael Executive Vice President Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel would remain in contact with R’ Porush, who heads Agudas Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael, to work towards overturning the court decree. Following the meeting, Zwiebel spoke at length with Porush, who briefed him in detail regarding the chain of events and the court’s decision. Regarding allegations of discrimination in the school, Porush explained that the facts in the case are simple, and anyone willing to accept the rules and regulations of the school may attend — stating it is as simple as that. He rejected any allegations of discrimination as alleged by the court. Zwiebel then spoke with attorney Mordechai Green of the B’Tzedek organization, who provided a legal picture of the current situation, who reportedly explained the court’s decision was a precedent, lacking any legal stance since it was proven there is no discrimination as alleged. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Deputy Minister Porush Working to Find Solution for Emanuel School

Deputy Minister of Education R’ Meir Porush has been meeting with attorneys and rabbonim as he continues efforts to find a solution to this week’s High Court of Justice ruling, fining Chinuch Atzmai 5,000 NIS a day for each day the Beis Yaakov in Emanuel remains segregated between ashkenazim and sephardim. Porush met with Maran Rav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv Shlita and the Slonim Rebbe Shlita, presenting them with the facts given over to him by legal experts, as well as seeking the guidance of the gedolei torah. According to reports, R’ Elyashiv realized the magnitude of the court’s decision calling for a “loud cry”. According to a Kikar Shabbos report, R’ Elyashiv is calling for protest action against the High Court of Justice. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Emanuel School Fined NIS 5,000 Daily For Discrimination

The High Court of Justice on Wednesday slammed the ongoing discrimination in the Emanuel Beis Yaakov, leveling a NIS 5,000 a day fine on Chinuch Atzmai for as long as the discrimination continues. The three-justice panel was visibly angry over the contempt of court, the fact that the school remains segregated today between ashkenazim and sephardim, pointing the finger of blame at Chinuch Atzmai, announcing the unprecedented daily fine. Chinuch Atzmai’s Rav Avraham Lazerson explains that the court’s ruling is unacceptable in the mainstream community, but nevertheless, the court does not hesitate reaching such decision when chareidim are involved. In the organization’s official response, a prepared statement, Chinuch Atzmai officials accuse the High Court of maintaining a double standard, treating the chareidi community affair with a different standard. Rabbi Lazerson explained that quite frankly, Chinuch Atzmai is angry over the court’s move, admitting the decision is not totally understood. It is being studied by the organization’s legal officials, and they in turn will explain it to the leaders, who will present the matter to Gedolei Yisrael Shlita for a ruling as how to respond. Lazerson stated that in fact, Chinuch Atzmai is not responsible and has nothing to do with the decision of parents in Emanuel. He points out the discrimination is the result of parents, not Chinuch Atzmai policy or decision-making. He stated he cannot understand how the court is holding Chinuch Atzmai responsible. Speaking on Wednesday evening with Kol Chai Radio, the host asked “In all due respect, the High Court did not simply decide to intervene, but parents brought the matter before the court”. Lazerson responded that this is indeed true, but he does not care to address this and “those parents” on the air. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Israel: Supreme Court Petition Regarding Emanuel Beis Yaakov

Yoav Lalu is petitioning the Supreme Court regarding what he perceives is blatant discrimination against Sephardi girls in the Beis Yaakov of Emanuel. Lau has experience, having turned to the courts two years ago when his own daughter was refused from a school in Beit Shmuel. Lalu explained that in Emanuel today, 73% of the students are Sephardic, yet they are being discriminated against by Chinuch Atzmai, to the extent that the Ashkenazi girls have been separated from them and issued different uniforms to accentuate the different streams. Lalu explained that in his previous case, he tried summoning the principal, who he stated is the wife of a well-known rav, but she did not appear before the beis din of Rav Avraham Dov Levine. Eventually, a seiruv was issued against her. Lalu also explained that he has in the past and continues today to call for the establishment of a Chinuch Atzmai beis din, or a beis din by Gedolei Yisrael that would decide such matters, stressing here we are dealing with “denei nefashos” and the lives of too many girls are being ruined as a result of ongoing discrimination. The Ministry of Education has already been involved, and according to Lalu, is now aware that the Ashkenazi segment in Emanuel used fraudulent means to obtain funding, stating they reported the entire student population in the new school while in actuality, it only represents 27% since the remainder are Sephardim. Supporters of the split call the move “educationally motivated and not discriminatory in any way.” Agudas Yisroel’s Yaakov Litzman this year also released statements calling for order in Chinuch Atzmai, stating the situation is urgent, making reference to this very problem. When asked if Shas is assisting, Lalu explained “they do not care. The children of Shas leaders are in the best schools, any schools they wish, so why would they make noise and jeopardize a good situation?” (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Telshe Stone: Children Of Working And Sephardi Parents Still Not Registered For School

MK (Shas) Yaakov Margi chairs the Knesset Education and he has been working hard to end discrimination that exists in chareidi schools, now turning his sights to Telshe Stone amid reports that dozens of children from homes in which parents work and/or Sephardim are without a school as Rosh Chodesh Elul approaches. Last month Margi addressed more than of few complaints alleging discrimination, complaints received from Sephardi homes claiming their schools are treated as second rate by municipality officials because they work and/or because they are Sephardim, highlighting they maintain a chareidi lifestyle in every sense of the word. In July 2016 YWN-ISRAEL reported there were tens of families who were told they will have to transport their children to Jerusalem schools, adding that this year, the municipality will not cover all or part of the cost, adding additional burden to these families. Kikar Shabbos News now quotes a source in the community anonymously stating “A few years ago a number of families of avreichim arrived in the lower community and little by little they have taken over control and implementing their rules – rules that are foreign to us here. They are trying to change the face of the community and this year, it has reached the education system. The children of working parents are now punished. It is simply a disgrace”. The source adds in past years, if one did not wish to accept upon oneself some of the new rules, one would simply commute to Jerusalem and the municipality funded the transportation. This year, as reported, the municipality is not paying the costs of transportation so many of these families have not stated they want their children registered in schools in Telshe Stone but the municipality is refusing. In some cases, appeals were filed with the appropriate committee in the Chinuch Atzmai system but apparently these appeals were rejected and the children are left without a school just days away from the beginning of the new school year. it is reported that currently there are over forty students without a school. Margi has decided to become personally involved and was met with the message not to involve himself for his words will not be heard. Margi however is not backing down but is threatening that if the discrimination continues, a session of the Knesset Education Committee accompanied by a press conference will be held on September 1st, this Thursday, in the Telshe Stone Municipality Building in response to the discrimination against the over forty students in Chinuch Atzmai affiliated schools. A spokesman for Margi explains that what occurred in previous years in Elad and Emanuel is going to occur in Telshe Stone this year, referring to Margi’s efforts to bring an end to discrimination in those communities. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

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Rav Ovadia: Enroll Children in Sephardi Mosdos

In his motzei shabbos drasha, Maran Rav Ovadia Yosef stated “there are batei din and rabbonim. Why did they take the matter to the secular courts?” in his weekly satellite broadcast drasha, the rav questioned why the Emanuel Beis Yaakov matter was taken to the secular system. The Rav added that “we mustn’t be beholden to the kindness of Chinuch Atzmai, which has educated our children over the years”. The Rav calls on all his followers to enroll their children in Sephardi schools, stating today there are over 40,000 students in mosdot that have been launched by Shas. “It doesn’t say morasha kehillot Ashkenazim” the Rav added”. The Rav used strong terms to persuade all Sephardi families to enroll their children in Sephardi mosdos, and that this is the only way to ensure they will be taught Sephardi customs and halachot. He questioned why a war is necessary and why one must address the High Court, calling on the tzibur to abandon the Ashkenazi schools. He once again quoted the Rambam regarding one who takes matters to a secular system “raises his hands against the Torah of Moshe Rabbeinu” and does not have a share in the Next World. The Rav used strong terms in expressing the graveness of the matter, bringing the chinuch issue to the nation’s secular court. The Rav pointed out the girls must move to a Sephardi school. “What do they teach them there? Do they learn Ben Ish Chai? They are taught the halachot of Ashkenazim”.  The Rav concluded “Baruch Hashem our Torah is not lower than their Torah!” (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Rav Yaakov Yosef: From Gan Eden HaTachton to the Eye of the Storm

On erev shabbos, HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Yosef spoke out regarding Emanuel for the first time, agreeing to an interview with Kol Chai Radio. Following main portions of that interview. KOL CHAI: Why do you need this, the Emanuel affair? R YOSEF: From a personal perspective, it is the last thing I need. I enjoy the quiet life, learning with 1,000 people weekly, busy in our Gan Eden HaTachton, but we learn in Gemara Gittin about Kamtza and Bar-Kamtza and that the rabbonim may not remain silent”. I simply must speak out, unable to permit the current status quo continue. An injustice was committed and the girls were ridiculed – the pure and holy little girls. Together with 33 rabbonim, we discussed this and decided something must be done. We met and decided what must be done and how to respond”. Why is the school divided and the unacceptable concept of two teachers rooms, for Ashkenazim and Sephardim. After all the the teachers all learned together in the same seminaries and now to compel them to remain in separate rooms was absurd and unacceptable. When I first heard of the situation I did not believe it, certain it was a fantasy, inaccurate, but later learned that painfully, the facts as presented were accurate. I then spoke with a Yemenite yid who built the physical barrier, on chol hamoed no less because he was told it was a mitzvah and it was urgent. From that day on, the Ashkenazi girls turned their backs on their Sephardi peers, former friends.  The statements released by Slonim officials are simply not true and the separation is indeed ethnic, nothing more and nothing less than discrimination. After hearing many ideas and speaking with Slonimer officials, nothing resulted in change and today we find ourselves in the current state of affairs. KOL CHAI: Are you certain? After all, the Slonimer Rebbe Shlita is truly a holy man, one who distances himself from politics and such mudslinging R YOSEF: It appears that here, the soton is not sending a messenger, but has decided to make a personal appearance. I asked repeatedly to speak with the Admor Shlita but each meeting that was arranged was canceled. It appears they are afraid to permit me to meet with the Admor, perhaps aware I will explain and clarify a few things and then the Admor will open his eyes and realize who those around him really are”. KOL CHAI: They say the rav is the one that canceled the meetings. R YOSEF: Chas v’sholom. I have been running after them for three years to meet. I have no personal interest in the case. I am not looking to become the rav of Emanuel or open a kollel in the community. Does Yoav Lalum have an interest in Emanuel one way or the other? No, but the moment they transgress Torah laws we may no longer remain silent. We are compelled to speak out and compelled to act. Where are all those rabbonim who signed? For three years they remained silent. Why are they speaking now? Let them remain silent. KOL CHAI: How did this land out in the Supreme Court? R YOSEF: For three years I called for setting up a beis din to adjudicate the matter internally and quietly. The

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R’ Yaakov’s Talmidim Rally on His Behalf

Dozens of talmidim of HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Yosef Shlita came to Yerushalayim’s Bucharim neighborhood to rally on his behalf, in a showing of solidarity after the rav has been threatened and the subject of criticism for his major role in the Emanuel Beis Yaakov affair. The rav, who has been lending support to Yoav Lalum in his discrimination battle against the Emanuel Beis Yaakov and Chinuch Atzmai, announced his withdrawal from the case last week amid mounting threats against him. Lalum announced that he has been compelled to leave his Jerusalem home and he and his family are residing in a hotel in the center of the country, also due to threats against him. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Lalum Signs on Beis Din Arbitration Agreement

[Click on image to enlarge] 9:00PM IL: The Emanuel Beis Yaakov case may have taken a dramatic turn as it appears Yoav Lalum has signed an arbitration agreement with a Jerusalem Beis Din. The document places Yoav Lalum and HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Yosef Shlita against Chassidei Slonim in Emanuel, the Keren to Save Chinuch Tohor in Emanuel and the Friends of Emanuel Fund. After signing the agreement, the decision by the Av Beis Din HaRav Avraham Dov Levine states side A (Slonimer Chassidim) will consult with and receive the approval of the beis din regarding segregation decisions beginning in the 5771 school year. The decision-making authority will remain exclusively with the Av Beis Din, not with the principals of the school or talmid torah, or even with Chinuch Atzmai officials. Any separation regarding students must be approved by the beis din, taking the decision out of the hands of the local officials and/or Chinuch Atzmai. In return, Lalum has agreed to withdraw all petitions filed with the High Court of Justice. The court on the other hand will declare that beginning in 5771, all the children of the school will be united, desegregation, pending any decisions regarding separation by the beis din. The starting point however will be desegregation. The beis din also stipulates that Slonimer Chassidus or its shluchim may not harm Lalum verbally, in writing or in any form. It appears that may bring an end to the Emanuel case, at least before the High Court, and by most accounts, not a moment too soon as tensions continue to flare, media incitement is up in all camps, with the anti-chareidi sentiment growing along with some chareidi media referring to Justice Edmond Levy as “Israel’s Goldstone”. On motzei shabbos, Rav Yaakov Yosef Shlita announced he is bailing out, in no small part due to mounting threats against him, and at present, several decisions are still pending with the High Court of Justice, including the incarceration of 22 Emanuel mothers. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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Prison March Organizer Warns of Violence if Moms are Imprisoned

According to Yitzchak Sheinin, one of the organizers of last Thursday’s prison marches in Bnei Brak and Yerushalayim, if the High Court decides to imprison the 22 Emanuel mothers, the struggle will shift to an entirely different level, one that will include violence. Sheinin is quoted by Ynet as explaining imprisoning the mothers would change the rules of play since the battle would not just be over education, but the compromised modesty resulting from sending the mothers to prison. The Emanuel case is far from over, and it continues to dominate the chareidi and secular media as the court is still being bombarded with petitions concerning the mothers, Chinuch Atzmai fines, the legality of the ruling and prison term and other related issues in the case. Sheinin is quoted as asking “did the mothers murder anyone,” insisting none of the mothers in question will serve time in prison. He warned last week’s prison marches will serve “as an example” of what lies ahead if the court does not back down. He credits the court for turning the imprisoned Emanuel men into “shahids” (holy martyrs – the term used generally in reference to suicide Arab terrorists), adding “to imprison the women would be an even greater mistake by the court”. Sheinin continues pointing out the court has in essence accomplished nothing, since nothing has or will change, and the parents remain proud, and the ceremony that await their return home will be even greater than the march that escorted them to prison. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)

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