by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times

Yeshivas Ohr Yerushalayim located in Moshav Beit Meir was evacuated last night along with the entire Moshav. The Moshav was nearly destroyed through terrorist arson. The students in the dormitory were transferred to the homes of the dedicated Rebbeim, most of whom live in Jerusalem. Each of the Rebbeim took in a number of students into their homes.

Beit Meir is located off the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv Highway. The entire Moshav was evacuated including 300 people at the guest house. The residents were mostly evacuated to the nearby town of Shoresh.

There were twenty five firefighting crews wwho worked all night at the scene to extinguish the flames, and succeeded in doing so shortly after 5:00 AM.

Unfortunately, the weather forecast is for additional strong winds and no rain, causing the situation to be extremely critical and susceptible to further terrorism.

All shuls in the United States are encouraged to say tehillim for the safety of the firefighting crews and the residents.

If any one spots an arsonist over Shabbos, it is an obligation to stop him even through the violation of Shabbos.

The plus side of this horrific new manifestation of terrorism is the remarkable chessed being done. Indeed, such chessed is happening throughout the country, where strangers are taking in dislocated families who are also strangers.

the author can be reached at [email protected]