YWN-ISRAEL reported last week that it appears the last phone call made by the late Mir rosh yeshiva, HaGaon HaRav Nosson Tzvi Finkel zt”l was to Minister of the Interior Eli Yishai. The rosh yeshiva wished to personally thank him for lifting such a heavy burden from the shoulders of roshei yeshiva, referring to the minister’s efforts leading to removal of the arnona property tax burden from mosdos.

The nation’s student union body is protesting the move, stating it is clear from the wording of the new ordinance that it is intended for yeshivos only. They point out the new regulation refers to public buildings and their dwellings, to include dormitories, or apartments rented out and used as dormitories. Their living quarters are not included in the new regulation.

University students will not benefit from the new reality, prompting a petition to the High Court of Justice claiming the ministry is guilty of discrimination. The students plan to turn to the High Court on the matter together with the ‘Hitorerut’ organization. The latter also sent a letter to the state attorney general explaining the new ministry regulation clearly benefits one sector while ignoring all others, demanding the government ministry address all sectors equally.

The Union of Bnei Yeshivos responded to the report, expressing support for the same reduction for university students, adding the union has called upon Minister Eli Yishai to support such a move, Kikar Shabbat reports.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)